NCAA Bracket 2011: Greater Sweet 16 Showing, Kemba Walker or Derrick Williams?

UConn guard Kemba Walker and Arizona forward Derrick Williams would be the two hottest players within the NCAA tournament. Both had dominant games within the Sweet 16 and are now set to square off within the Elite Eight. Walker dropped 36 points, three assists, three rebounds and carried his team to some 74-67 victory over San Diego State. Derrick Williams scored 32 points together with 13 boards in a 93-77 upset win over No. 1 seed Duke.

The question is, whose epic performance was far better? Walker scored lots of points and in no way spent whenever on the bench. He is undoubtedly the Huskies' greatest scorer and might be one of the most valuable player in college basketball. Nevertheless, apart from scoring and the occasional steal, Kemba did not have any other main contributions to his team hanging around against San Diego State.

Williams came out for only two minutes from the game against Duke, but not like Kemba, he brought more than just his scoring. D-Will complemented his high scoring total by leading his team in rebounding as well. He was also solid within defensively. And so i would must say Derrick Williams had a better Sweet 16 overall performance than Kemba Walker. Even so, these games are over, and their Elite Eight meeting is all that matters now. So who will have a far better overall performance come Saturday's game?

I believe that Kemba Walker will outplay Williams in the Elite Eight game.Williams has shown that he can go cold against teams with strong within presence. Against Texas he only scored 17 points and only agreed to be 4-of-15 from the field.

Naismith Award 2011: Jimmer Fredette Leaves Door Open for Walker/Sullinger

Player of the year front runner Jimmer Fredette, who struggled yesterday against the Florida Gators failed to lockup school basketballs most prestigious award. Jimmer's last stat line looks excellent, because he scored 32 points, but take a deeper search into his stats and it is not all roses for Fredette. Jimmer shot only 11-29 in the field, including just 3-15 from at night arc, but one of the most glaring stat was his overtime overall performance or lack there of.

Fredette managed zero points with two turnovers on 0-2 shooting throughout the most critical moments of his career. In my experience, the best player in the nation need to thrive in an overtime predicament like Jimmer is at, not flop. Appear at UConn's Kemba Walker. The higher the stage, the better he performs. In the most clutch circumstances, Kemba comes through, as all excellent players need to. It is one thing to score a bunch of points inside a regular season game, but it is what you do on the massive stages that define genuine champions.

Jimmer will nonetheless be the front-runner to win the award, although I feel this overall performance really should give Kemba Walker and Ohio States Jared Sullinger an opportunity to make up some ground. Walker has been practically nothing brief of magnificent inside the tournament, scoring 18, 33 and 36 points respectively, in every single game so far. Kemba has enhanced his level of play because the competition has got harder and the stage is becoming bigger.

Jared Sullinger has not necessary to be as huge for his Buckeyes, mainly because they have won their first two tournament games by a combined 61 points. Sullinger may have the largest game of his profession nowadays, as Ohio State undertake the University of Kentucky at 9:45. If Sullinger can have a dominating performance against the Wildcats, he will put his name right back into the mix.

USC Basketball: Nikola Vucevic Opts to Forgo Senior Year for NBA Draft

The USC Trojans will need to groom a brand new energy forward for subsequent season. Nikola Vucevic, who averaged 17.1 points and 10.three rebounds in his junior season, announced on Friday that he's forgoing his season and will enter the NBA Draft.

Vucevic also announced he has retained agent Rade Filipovich of BDA Sports Management, that has recognized Vucevic's father for far more than 3 decades. Borislav Vucevic played professionally overseas for quite some time.

Vucevic made the decision that his finest likelihood would be to enter the draft now, knowing that the existing crop of draftees is probably the weakest in numerous years. Vucevic would also have the choice of playing overseas, should the NBA go for a lockout when the present CBA expires on June 30. "If there's a lockout," Vucevic told the LA Times, I'm from Europe so I have a probability to go and play overseas."

USC completed the growing season at 19-15 soon after losing in the initial round with the NCAA tournament to Virginia Commonwealth. Vucevic will be the second big man lost to USC, following the departure of senior forward Alex Stepheson. USC coach Kevin Neill hopes that transfers James Blasczyk, Dewayne Dedmon and Aaron Fuller can fill their shoes!

V.C.Who? the Little Team That Could Has Taken more than March Madness

I admit up front that I hate basketball. Not really a fan. Sorry to offend, but I was raised in New Orleans where we had football. Yeah, we had the Jazz for a while, but no joy. Now there is the Hornets, but I still don't care sufficient to become a fan even if they have a decent season. Regardless, I fill out my brackets for March Madness each year in hopes of accomplishing two things: Win funds for a brand new footwear I'll put on the moment, or beat my hubby by going further than him. Petty, but true.

This year, although filling out my bracket, I had the alternative of Georgetown, exactly where I vaguely remember something about a blue and grey dog & D.C., or a school called USC/VCU. Yeah, Now we all know it was a option between two schools, but when I picked? Clueless. Never heard of USC/VCU, so I picked Georgetown. I went on a two-hour rant one night about how exactly it sounded like an STD sweeping with the brackets when I was "schooled" how it was two teams and that i picked too early. The brackets were open, and so i picked.

That led right into a two-hour rant about how they shouldn't allow picking until the teams were set. I usually do better than my husband, and so i pick and hide my brackets and pull it out the night of the first game. It's the ONLY time I'll watch basketball without having to be paid to do so. My cat's name is Butler (as in Rhett) so I never choose it because I usually ask, "Am I picking it because that's my baby's name or because my gut says to?" Yep, that screwed me again this year.

So back to VCU, or when i say every day, VCWho? This team left nowhere, nobody thought it should be there, then thought it did not have a chance. Now, the Rams have been in the Elite Eight for the first time in school history. Three No. 1 seeds eliminated, and here comes this tiny team that's making heads turn. I'm not sure who they are or where they came from, but good for you! I have only Kansas left and winning everything, but no chance of winning my pool, so I'm rooting with this tiny team that nobody thought had a chance.

Canucks five, Sharks 4 (SO): The Most Satisfying Game Ever Lost

After Joe Pavelski was stuffed by Cory Schneider, rendering Alex Burrows' prior goal the lone score from the shootout as well as the game winner, Sharks Tv color commentator, Drew Remenda, said that he does not think in "moral victories," but that this came close. Radio broadcaster Jamie Baker disagreed, calling the thrilling game a "moral victory."

While the two respectable guys disagreed, both of them failed to hit on a key point: Beneath existing NHL rules, losses of worth (or moral victories) do exist. The Sharks left HP Pavilion tonight by having an overtime loss, but if they'd failed to come back just when (they did three times), they would have 84 points right now as opposed to 85. Not only does this bring an extremely intriguing element of the NHL's present scoring method towards the forefront (which I'll reach later on), nevertheless it also, indisputably, makes this game a loss of value. Nevertheless, the Sharks are in possession of seven "losses of value" this season, and not all might be observed as "moral victories."

On November 17th and 18th, the Sharks blew two-goal leads within the third period. In each games, their opponents (the Avs and Stars, respectively) completed their comebacks and sunk the Sharks in OT. Blowing a two-goal lead late in the third, as they did in Colorado, is certainly deflating. Not leaving that game with two points was undoubtedly frustrating. Blowing one more two-goal lead the following evening and leaving Dallas with an additional mere point was just aggravating. Tonight, the Sharks had been down 2-0 after the Canucks dominated the first period, but a fast comeback within the very first two:04 from the second produced it a new game. Devin Setoguchi scored in typical Seto "work tough, get rewarded" fashion, following their own forehand off the post with a backhand within the net. Ryane Clowe struck a minute later, making a power move to the net and slipping one beneath Schneider.

Nonetheless, the Canucks had the last say of the period, going into the break up 3-2 and entering the 3rd with the lead (they had been 30-0-3 in these situations). 1 would feel that these gaudy numbers, as well as the truth that the Canucks had the final objective of the second, gives them the advantage inside the third. But therein lies what's particular about these Sharks, and why, in this case, the Sharks can relish their one point.

The Canucks' achievement with third-period leads is not basically as a result of their mental toughness. It's due to their insane forward depth which allows them to help keep their shifts brief and balanced. It's due to their puck-moving defensemen who put the puck deep in their opponent's zone. It really is on account of a devastating forecheck that keeps the puck deep and often expands the Canuck lead, and it is on account of an 86 percent penalty kill that knocks the wind from opponents who are thinking "this energy play is our opportunity to come back."

What the Sharks have done throughout the final two months continues to be remarkable, and also the No. 1 top quality this team has displayed is mental toughness. They've return countless times, recovered from blown leads, finished in OT and accompanied losses with winning streaks. But even though mental toughness, in conjunction with the Sharks talent, can beat most teams, Vancouver's foolproof closing technique and top-tier personnel will not go down like that.

So what did San Jose do? These were aggressive, establishing sustained attacks at the start of the third and forcing desperate clears. This hadn't permit Vancouver to get the puck deep, enter on the forecheck and rhythmically rotate their lines. They did not press for a objective, fearing that every attack may be their best and final. They played their game, which stumbled Vancouver. Since the Canucks spent increasingly more time defending, and fewer and much less changing lines and forechecking, they started to tire. Consequently, the Sharks' attacks became increasingly more and a lot more efficient and, finally, they were rewarded.

Canucks five, Sharks 4 (SO): The Most Satisfying Game Ever Lost

After Joe Pavelski was stuffed by Cory Schneider, rendering Alex Burrows' prior goal the lone score from the shootout as well as the game winner, Sharks Tv color commentator, Drew Remenda, said that he does not think in "moral victories," but that this came close. Radio broadcaster Jamie Baker disagreed, calling the thrilling game a "moral victory."

While the two respectable guys disagreed, both of them failed to hit on a key point: Beneath existing NHL rules, losses of worth (or moral victories) do exist. The Sharks left HP Pavilion tonight by having an overtime loss, but if they'd failed to come back just when (they did three times), they would have 84 points right now as opposed to 85. Not only does this bring an extremely intriguing element of the NHL's present scoring method towards the forefront (which I'll reach later on), nevertheless it also, indisputably, makes this game a loss of value. Nevertheless, the Sharks are in possession of seven "losses of value" this season, and not all might be observed as "moral victories."

On November 17th and 18th, the Sharks blew two-goal leads within the third period. In each games, their opponents (the Avs and Stars, respectively) completed their comebacks and sunk the Sharks in OT. Blowing a two-goal lead late in the third, as they did in Colorado, is certainly deflating. Not leaving that game with two points was undoubtedly frustrating. Blowing one more two-goal lead the following evening and leaving Dallas with an additional mere point was just aggravating. Tonight, the Sharks had been down 2-0 after the Canucks dominated the first period, but a fast comeback within the very first two:04 from the second produced it a new game. Devin Setoguchi scored in typical Seto "work tough, get rewarded" fashion, following their own forehand off the post with a backhand within the net. Ryane Clowe struck a minute later, making a power move to the net and slipping one beneath Schneider.

Nonetheless, the Canucks had the last say of the period, going into the break up 3-2 and entering the 3rd with the lead (they had been 30-0-3 in these situations). 1 would feel that these gaudy numbers, as well as the truth that the Canucks had the final objective of the second, gives them the advantage inside the third. But therein lies what's particular about these Sharks, and why, in this case, the Sharks can relish their one point.

The Canucks' achievement with third-period leads is not basically as a result of their mental toughness. It's due to their insane forward depth which allows them to help keep their shifts brief and balanced. It's due to their puck-moving defensemen who put the puck deep in their opponent's zone. It really is on account of a devastating forecheck that keeps the puck deep and often expands the Canuck lead, and it is on account of an 86 percent penalty kill that knocks the wind from opponents who are thinking "this energy play is our opportunity to come back."

What the Sharks have done throughout the final two months continues to be remarkable, and also the No. 1 top quality this team has displayed is mental toughness. They've return countless times, recovered from blown leads, finished in OT and accompanied losses with winning streaks. But even though mental toughness, in conjunction with the Sharks talent, can beat most teams, Vancouver's foolproof closing technique and top-tier personnel will not go down like that.

So what did San Jose do? These were aggressive, establishing sustained attacks at the start of the third and forcing desperate clears. This hadn't permit Vancouver to get the puck deep, enter on the forecheck and rhythmically rotate their lines. They did not press for a objective, fearing that every attack may be their best and final. They played their game, which stumbled Vancouver. Since the Canucks spent increasingly more time defending, and fewer and much less changing lines and forechecking, they started to tire. Consequently, the Sharks' attacks became increasingly more and a lot more efficient and, finally, they were rewarded.

Canadiens-Blues: Flat Performance in St. Louis Ends Habs Streak at Five

The Montreal Canadiens and St. Louis Blues faced off yesterday inside a game that featured 4 players playing against their former teams. On the Habs side, you had Lars Eller, once a leading prospect in an exceedingly deep Blues advancement program and on the other finish of the ice you have the man he was trade for, Jaroslav Halak. Halak faced off against his former goaltending partner in Carey Price while former Habs forward Matt D'Agostini rounded things in a Blues uniform. Regardless of all the storylines, it was far from as being a spectacular game.

The Blues, who literally evening before in Columbus, looked quick, focused and on their game even though Montreal struggled to find cohesion, looking distracted and disorganized. The result was a game that was largely dominated by St. Louis having a handful of powerful sequences from Montreal. The Canadiens got on the board very first when Jeff Halpern deflected his 11th from the season past Halak off an Alexandre Picard pass. However the Blues took manage of the overall game after that with David Backes tying it at 1 6:29 later.

Halak was solid for the Blues but wasn't truly tested,and the teammates ultimately did an excellent job of limiting the Canadiens shots facing outward. Carey Value, who continues to be the MVP for Montreal, was the only cause this game wasn't more than early, generating a number of spectacular saves to maintain it a 1 aim game. Regardless of Price's best efforts the Blues would give a second period marker from Andy McDonald and two a lot more within the final two minutes of the game?aone into an empty net?ato clinch the victory. Former Habs Halak and D'Agostini got the victory with D'Agostini, who played an excellent game, scoring the insurance marker on his 14th of the season.

Like a broken record that keeps skipping back to exactly the same component of the song, Cost used to be once more the difference maker last night. And whilst his team didn't come out of the game having a victory Price's strong play gave them an opportunity to win in spite of their lethargy. About 12 minutes along with the Blues on the energy play and applying a lot of pressure within the Canadiens zone, Cost made a spectacular left-to-right save on a one-timer in the high-slot. While Value is large and plays a remarkably sound positional game, it's constantly incredible to determine how speedily he makes his lateral displacements, particularly taking into consideration his 6'3", 219 lbs frame.

With St. Louis blitzing the Habs zone for very long stretches of the game, Montreal's defenders were scrambling and value seemed like the only player who knew what was going on. It's for the duration of games like this that we start to determine why Price's name is starting to come up in much more and more MVP conversations. The Habs go as Cost goes, and he the moment once more kept them hanging around once they were clearly struggling maintain.

Philadelphia Flyers' Sergei Bobrovsky Making Case for Rookie of the season

As the season enters the home stretch, the predictions for the annual awards given by the NHL appear to become a lot more frequent. The Philadelphia Flyers have had a spectacular season along with a large part of that good results has been standout rookie goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky. Bobrovsky has shared the workload with veteran journeymen Brian Boucher, but has stood among the finest rookies in the NHL. While many players is going to be in contention for the Calder Memorial Trophy, Bobrovsky is among the top rated contenders.

To preface this conversation, it must be mentioned that, as opposed to the majority of the other rookies becoming considered, he had by no means stepped foot in North America ahead of joining the Flyers. He played 3 seasons in Russia using the Metallurg Novokuznetsk, which was among the worst offensive teams within the Kontinental Hockey League for the duration of his time with the team. Coming to Philadelphia, Bobrovsky knew very little English and had in no way took part in a North American-style league in the life. Not simply has Bobrovsky managed, he's flourished.

The confidence is the most important thing for me personally so I can calm down and play towards the best of my abilities and preserve winning, Bobrovsky mentioned through a translator. Although Bobrovsky has split starts with Boucher, he has nonetheless managed to play in 43 of 66 games for that Flyers. Bobrovsky has also shocked individuals with his 25 wins, which puts him 15th within the NHL in that category. One of the greatest surprises continues to be the consistency of the rookie.

Whilst his fellow rookie, Blackhawks goaltender Corey Crawford, has been impressive at the same time, Bobrovsky includes a objectives against typical of two.52 as well as a save area of .917, which ranks him 16th and 18th within the league respectively. A number of the other contenders for that Calder Trophy could be the Carolina Hurricanes, Jeff Skinner, the San Jose Sharks. Logan Couture and the New York Islanders. Michael Grabner, but Bobrovsky may have the strongest situation.

Chicago Blackhawks: Dave Bolland's Injury Leaves an enormous Hole at Center

Thanks to a low cost shot by Pavel Kubina, the Chicago Blackhawks could suddenly be carrying out their best impersonation of a Tim Horton's doughnut. Namely, the 'Hawks may have a big hole in the middle. The Tampa Bay defenseman is going to be taking a three-day holiday from function after the league rightfully handed down a suspension for his head shot on Bolland. We all know Kubina is going to be back in three games. Are we able to say the identical about Bolland?

I really hope so, due to the fact losing Bolland is a key thorn in Chicago's recent surge toward the playoffs. Bolland had five points in the four games before the hit and had been performing a great job directing the second line. The Blackhawks have already been rolling 4 lines and getting contributions from them all. Thursday's selection through the NHL makes discussion of whether the hit was dirty (it was) and regardless of whether the league would reduce sanctions (they did) irrelevant. Bolland was woozy but conscious following the hit, skated the rest of the very first period, and did not return. He is at the moment listed as daily, but injuries towards the head have a way of keeping folks out for a long period.

Bolland could be back inside a game or two, or it could be a month or longer. Right now, it's hard to say. How do you replace a guy who has been the solution (for the time being, anyway) inside the center of the second line as the season winds down? Michael Frolik took over for Bolland Wednesday and wasn't a poor fit. Though the latest acquisition would rather play on the wing, it may be essential to move him up from the third line. Second line center is a position with which Patrick Sharp is familiar, getting spent portions from the final two seasons there. The issue is in moving a guy off the hottest line in the league.

The Hawks could send Troy Brouwer back up with Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane, however the Sharp-Toews-Kane line was the catalyst of the Blackhawks current win streak. As much as I like Jake Dowell and what I assume he adds to the club, he is not the guy to get Marian Hossa the puck. Dowell and Ryan Johnson belong about the two checking lines that have worked nicely for Chicago not too long ago. Tomas Kopecky can stay right exactly where he is on the fourth line. I do not need to visit him back at center.

There's no support in Rockford. Jeff Taffe (who has 50 points for that Ice Hogs but has by no means been a big scorer within the NHL) could spot Dowell or Johnson but won't add firepower the second line. Neither Evan Brophy or Brandon Pirri will be ready to get tossed into a tense scrap for any spot in the playoffs. To me, the answer towards the hole inside the second line is to continue using Frolik there and hope Bolland makes a timely return to the lineup. That will depend on Frolik's willingness to play a position he did not sound thrilled about when he joined the team.

Replace Frolik on the third line with Fernando Pisani, who saw his 1st taste of game action Wednesday considering that coping with his own upper body injury. Taffe could provide minutes like a third or fourth line forward if need be, specially if Bolland misses important time. Those fans who think that Bolland was playing a line excessive now face the prospect of him getting missing in the second line for some time. The Blackhawks have been thin at center all season and Kubina's elbow may have taken away a essential piece of Chicago's playoff puzzle for an extended stretch.

Columbus Blue Jackets: the Improbable Quest for the Playoffs

Just when it appeared the Columbus Blue Jackets had been playing themselves from any playoff possibilities and into another NHL lottery countdown, the Blue Jackets reeled off an impressive 11-3-3 streak. Even so, just as soon as the Blue Jackets were back in the playoff hunt, they continued their schizophrenic ways having a disastrous 0-3-3 meltdown and now find themselves needing an improbable finish to make the eighth and final Western Conference playoff spot.

If "it starts now" - referencing the T-Shirt's from former Blue Jackets' head coach Ken Hitchcock as a way of inspiring the team to its winning ways in the midst of a 3-14-7 collapse, last season?ait will need to commence tonight against the La Kings who, soon after puzzling the hockey world using their struggles, have rebounded and have become among the hottest teams within the NHL over the second half of the season. Add to that the Blue Jackets' return to a fragile psyche, most recently the result of blowing a 3-1 lead along with a 3-0 lead to the previously struggling St. Louis Blues, only to lose each games inside a shootout and in overtime, consecutively, and you have an even more insurmountable job.

When the Blue Jackets don't make an improbable run in the post-season, it will not be for the lack of faith and dogged resolution of their rookie head coach, Scott Arniel. "As almost as much ast everyone looks at the gloom and doom we're just looking to get that 1st win here tonight and let things happen from there," stated Arniel, "We can't obsess with the past. As much as men and women speculate or wish to feel we are completed, that we are not going to produce it, we still have 16 games to play."

If he states it's over, he's basically raised the white flag and that would have a devastating impact on both the team and in the gate, his or her fans would opt to forego attending the games for the a lot more pleasant weather that need to arrive. And for a team who's already knowledgeable a 25% drop in full-season equivalents (FSEs), such negative statements might be fiscally disastrous. If you look at the Los Angeles Kings, who presently occupy the 8th position within the Western Conference standings, and project their total points (79) during the period of an 82-game schedule, it projects to 97 points. Nonetheless, even if you project the Calgary Flames current point totals (81) more than an 82-game season, it might project to 95 points.

This, nevertheless, is using a straight-line projection of accumulating points/games played within the remaining 12-15 games of the season. And when you appear in the teams who occupy the fourth-eighth positions in the Western Conference standings, most have accomplished so through phenomenal second half surges, specifically during their final 20 games. Whilst wins and losses do even out, teams with all the talent level of these front-runners are merely hitting their stride.

Blake Griffin Dunk Video: Watch Blake Superior Placed on a Show in Charlotte

Blake Griffin Video is back once more, and this time it is a thunderous alley oop slam against the Charlotte Bobcats. Sure, Griffin were built with a massive time connection with Baron Davis, but when he was traded to Cleveland?ain a deal that brought Mo Williams over to the Clippers?ait was like Davis in no way left. Williams runs the break here, and merely throws it back for Griffin who throws it down with extreme force.

I really like how, at this point, this seems tame whenever we think about all of the other slams Griffin has put down this season. That's whenever you know you've made it as a dunker in the NBA?awhen slams that would be highlight reel monsters for most players wind up being looked at as something typical.

The person is the runaway favorite for that Rookie of the Year award, and there's nobody that's even near to him in his class. It stunk to get rid of a whole year from him due to surgery, but now that we've seen what we have on our hands, it's clear that Griffin was a lot more than worth the wait.

With Griffin in the center of this young core in La, there is no telling what the Clippers can perform going into the future. The next few years really should be enjoyable ones if the team can continue to construct around the group they have in location.

Boston Celtics: How Are They Adjusting to Life Without having Kendrick Perkins?

The way the Boston Celtics fare with out center Kendrick Perkins? So far the answer to that's just fine. They have won five out of six games since the departure of Perkins, and that one loss was the next game following the trade, so feelings might have been a aspect in that game at Denver against the Nuggets. Let's not forget the Celtics have played most of the season without Perkins and have earned the second finest record in the NBA, second only to the San Antonio Spurs. Not having Perkins is undoubtedly a massive loss, however the Celtics had currently adapted alive with out him just before he was traded away to the Oklahoma City Thunder.

The overall consensus amongst Celtic fans is the fact that Perkins' absence cost the C's Game 7 from the NBA Finals in 2010. That theory might be true, but it has practically nothing to do with this season. This season coach Doc Rivers has had time to produce the required adjustments and adapt their game. This a luxury that Rivers didn't have in between Game 6 and 7 of final year's Finals.

The addition of Jeff Green gives Rivers versatility. He is able to when again go to a smaller lineup, like he did within the playoffs in 2008. The Celtics can use Green exactly the same way they utilized James Posey by moving Kevin Garnett to center and inserting Green at power forward. The lineup is a smaller lineup, however it assists point guard Rajon Rondo run the transition game more effectively.

When the Celtics go massive, they've newly acquired center Nenad Krstic through the Perkins trade, and Glen "Big Baby" Davis fills in only fine at the center position. Davis are a wide wide body and is very effective on offense and defense. Prior to Perkins returned from his injury, Davis would finish games at the position, probably due to foul shooting issues with Shaquille O'Neal and to avoid the "Hack-a-Shaq" scenario. The Celtics certainly require both O'Neals back from injuries, but at the moment who knows when which will transpire? Fans loved the imply and nasty spirit that Perkins delivered to the team, but if they appear in the situation far more closely, it's not the finish of the globe. The truth may be the Celtics had to eliminate Perkins so they could get worth for him at this time; otherwise they took the risk of losing him to free of charge agency in the offseason and obtaining practically nothing in return.

Let's be honest, Celtic fans: In the event you had been told at the outset of the season that the Celtics needed to trade 1 of their five starters (and that is essentially what happened), who would you prefer they trade? I feel we all know the answer to that question. It was a business choice that had to be made, and Doc and also the rest of the staff will do anything they can to produce the new pieces of the team fit. We've all heard the critics the Celtics' time is now, that they are too old also it makes no sense to worry about the future of the team. Nicely, the Celtics often hear this ahead of; heck, they heard it this past year. The reality is this: Perkins will probably be missed, but the team has to move on.

We now have heard that Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett weren't happy about the trade. Pierce and Garnett are correct experts, company, it was an emotional split for all those guys, but they may get to work and concentrate on helping the new guys adapt and try to bring the Larry O'Brien Trophy back to Boston.

Charlotte Bobcats Set To get Tyrus Thomas, Stephen Jackson Back vs. Bulls

The Charlotte Bobcats will receive a much-needed shot in the arm on Wednesday when Stephen Jackson and Tyrus Thomas return to the line-up against the Chicago Bulls. Even though Jackson only has missed two games with a nagging hamstring injury, Thomas continues to be out since January 18th with a torn meniscus in his left knee.

Since the Gerald Wallace trade, the Bobcats have struggled mightily, winning just one of the six games they've played. That lone win was the first game without having Wallace against Sacramento both at home and because then, Charlotte has lost five consecutively by an average of over 18 points per game.

Gerald Henderson, who took Wallace's place, has filled in nicely at times, averaging nearly 13 points per game, but his inconsistency and insufficient rebounding prowess has cost the Bobcats dearly. Wallace was averaging approximately eight rebounds per game in Charlotte, whilst Henderson has averaged just below 3. That may well not seem like a massive difference, but Henderson does not command the continual body contact that Wallace did, allowing far more defenders to crash it's on a typical basis.

Stephen Jackson has all the tools needed to accept a tougher work load on the offensive side of the ball in Wallace's absence, but without him healthy, the Bobcats lack a go-to scorer, which has been painfully evident in the two games Jackson has missed.

Thomas' return has been highly anticipated because the time of his injury. A fan favorite off the bench, Thomas injects the Bobcats' reserves having a high level of intensity with his knack for blocking shots and emphatic rebounding. It will be interesting to see what kind of minutes, and where, he plays down the stretch this year, as he is undoubtedly the team's smartest choice off the bench at both power forward and center positions. Chances are that Thomas will see a lot more than the 21-plus minutes he was logging prior to the injury.

The Bobcats host the Chicago Bulls on Wednesday sometimes Warner Cable Arena, a team they have beat twice this season. With Thomas and Jackson back for Charlotte, there is a fighting chance to knock off the streaking Bulls and regain some momentum with what has become a stalled chase to have an Eastern Conference playoff spot.

NBA Award Races: Could Demar DeRozan Create a Run for many Enhanced Player?

The Toronto Raptors make two lottery picks previously two season as they haven't made the playoffs. One of these simple players was USC Trojan, Demar DeRozan, who was picked ninth overall last year and North Carolina Tar Heel, Ed Davis, who had been picked thirteenth overall this year.Demar came into Toronto to fill the void the Raptors had at the shooting guard position. His very first season wasn't really impressive as he finished track of numbers of eight.6 PPG, 0.7 APG and a pair of.9 RPG. Entering the 2nd season, DeRozan was given a larger role because of the fact that Chris Bosh had just left the team.

DeRozan began the season with low numbers and was not playing very effectively. His field objective percentage was up mainly because he would not take many shots throughout the 1st couple of months of the season. Everything changed right after one particular game from the Houston Rockets. In that game, DeRozan piled up work high of 37 points, which nevertheless stands as his highest nowadays.

After that one particular game, it seemed as though DeRozan received a boost in his game. He appeared to want the ball much more, he wanted to take the bigger role for that team. In doing so, Demar upped his game and his numbers went up significantly. His scoring improved, he seemed to be hustling for rebounds more, produced smart choices when distributing the ball, and started to play better defense.

If we evaluate these numbers from last season they go up by slightly in terms of rebounding and assists, but the point scoring rises alot.

Yankees Face Potential Doom as Usual

There is something arrogant about the New York Yankees. The Boss, for all those of us annoyed by his inhumane behavior or his loudmouthed methods to censure his players, ones he lavishes with outrageous salaries, is much too talkative to refrain from acting like a blowhard. Sadly adequate, Hank Steinbrenner is the most bombastic idiot the game of baseball has ever observed, unwisely taking following his late father, George Steinbrenner. Since the most scorned businessman within the majors, operating ultimately a ballclub full of arrogance, wrapped with mystique and ruled through the pretentious Steinbrenners, he is traditionally the brand in baseball.

Because it's entirely a prestigious family in power from the richest franchise in baseball, Steinbrenner can blabber about Derek Jeter's mansion, he is able to fuss about income sharing and he can notoriously belittle players in command of lifting the Yankees to prominence once again. So now, we're mandated to ridicule evidently the storied franchise in baseball, and practically feel sorry for the colossal palace that the Steinbrenners invested billions in creations.

This time around, each season, the Yankees are caught inside a storm, clouded in disarray for Steinbrenner's loudmouth since the circus arrives to Tampa, Florida each spring, whether or not this pertains to Alex Rodriguez's steroid bust or Hank's big-mouth, a tongue bigger than his head to some degree. Tiny does he know, he sounds kind of like Charlie Sheen and has devoted effort to his crazy rants more than retooling the Yankees, when an eminent franchise acknowledged for its classic pinstripes and championship triumph.

The face of the Yankees is hostility, not a sense of humanity for any franchise hated simply due to the fact of its arrogance, riches, bigotry and elitism. The thing is, there are numerous causes to hate the Yankees, a club folks hate or enjoy, one or the other, a club men and women adore due to the background or a club people despise because of its cockiness. The indigenous trends, using the imagery of Yankee Stadium and economic stability right after it appeared like the Yankees had been practically hit with a monetary collapse regardless of possessing the biggest payroll in baseball, is noticed quickly in the Bronx and also the Yankees escalate tension that can cause usual chaos to begin the season yearly.

It does not take a genius, especially when a pompous nature stains the image of a franchise with phenomenal success at one point, to assume that the Yankees would be the most hated club in baseball, but in the meantime, Yankee Stadium will be the arena of baseball background. To the Yankees chagrin, luckless circumstances often backfire in their faces, generally every single season when it looks as though New York is on a path for a potential revival. It is in no way great for a fool to blabber, let alone Mr. Steinbrenner, thought to be a manchild in New York while the state of the Yankees remain in limbo.

In his zeal, he is passionate using the Yankees and accepted the duties from his late father a long time ago, but has failed miserably, unable to run a rigid company like his father. Steinbrenner will eventually self-destruct, needless to say, and possibly would have by now if it wasn't for his brother, Hal, who calls for the personnel decisions and tries immensely to keep the Yankees on the right path, keen to save the franchise from reentering one more decade of droughts and early postseason exits. What the people care about in New York are championships, if nothing else, but they ought to care about the shaky status of a chattering front office, inherited by an erratic and zany businessman.

Yes, I'm speaking in terms of Hank Steinbrenner. There is never been a period when the Yankees, inside the midst of a doomed season that they can miss the playoffs or drop and take an earlier exit inside the postseason, weren't the nexus of the baseball planet. His rants, however the funniest drama to each year alarm everyone that baseball is back in full swing by listening to Hank's remarks, aren't precisely original and occurs annually that the critics verbally attacks Steinbrenner.

The nonsense swirls inside the Yankees to start yet another spring in uproars in the Bronx, flirting with all the notion of tribulations instead of proverbial greatness, 1 cause the Yankees are giving adulation and earning much more praise than an additional clubs well-deserving of glee. When news arrives of the Yankees, Hank blames it on the media, unwilling to take the culprit himself if the national attention is shined directly on his pestering Yankees, as if they're probably the most spotless franchise in baseball. Not the case whatsoever.

Bryce Harper Makes Much-Anticipated Debut for Washington Nationals

No. 1 general pick Bryce Harper produced his professional debut for the Washington Nationals on Monday from the New York Mets in Port St. Lucie, Fla. Considered the best hitting prospect in all of baseball, Harper arrived to the game inside the fifth inning like a pinch runner for Matt Stairs. He struck on 3 straight pitches within the seventh inning and then fanned on 4 pitches within the ninth.

Given that Stairs was the designated hitter, Harper?awith thick black eye paint and what's going to soon be a household No. 34 jersey?adid not come in the field. The 18-year-old phenom, who helped the Scottsdale Scorpions to the Arizona Fall League Championship during the cold months, finished 0-for-2.

In his first pro at-bat, Harper slapped Taylor Tankersley's 86 MPH fastball foul another way and then swung over a pair of sliders that ran from the left-hander and dropped beneath his knees. In his second plate look he then took a 76 MPH changeup from Ryota Igarashi and let go a fastball up and away. Harper then took a curveball for strike two and struck on a low sinker.

MLB.com reporter Bill Ladson previously reported that Nats' GM Mike Rizzo stated Harper would most likely start the season in the minors. The most obvious location for him to start out would be together with the Hagerstown Suns inside the Sally League, though it's possible that he could start the season with Double-A Potomac, the reigning Carolina League champions. The left-hander from the School of Southern Nevada hit .319 in the instructional league after which batted .343 with 12 hits in 35 at-bats more than nine AFL games.

This once-in-a-generation stud plated seven runs, homered against Peoria and struck out 11 occasions for Scottsdale regardless of playing just two times a week. He also had an RBI single within the finals against the Javelinas.

D.J. Carrasco Shaky in Spring Debut for New York Mets

D.J. Carrasco's bid to lock up a spot within the middle of the bullpen took a small hit in his very first action of the spring on Monday. Carrasco threw in the towel two runs on four hits and a walk more than two innings, and the last line could have been worse had Mike Nickeas not bailed him out with a fine throw to nail a baserunner at third base. The right-hander doesn't have swing-and-miss stuff and he won't overpower hitters. He had 157 strikeouts in 210.1 innings considering that 2008 and that he relies on his defense to make plays behind him.

If he expects to become a regular seventh-inning man, his insufficient a dominant pitch perform against him. The one particular factor he is doing have to his benefit is when he is only functioning a single inning at a time, hitters may well not be able to get a good luck at the ball appearing out of his hand. Against the Nationals on Monday in Port St. Lucie, Carrasco threw a slider out of a couple various arm slots giving anything from 81 to 84 and a fastball that hit 89 on the gun. He also threw a changeup within the high 60s. Despite the fact that I'd want to see him use this much more the next time out.

Proper now, I still have Carrasco making the 25-man roster, although he's walking a tightrope right after the first weekend of camp. Each Pedro Beato and Taylor Buchholz looked fairly sharp within their very first appearances and also guys like Pat Misch are in the equation. Carrasco gave up a run on two hits and an error within the fourth inning after which a second run on two hits along with a walk in the fifth. In each innings, he threw in the towel a leadoff double that got him into trouble.

He threw in the towel a leadoff double to Wilson Ramos on his 1st pitch of his outing and he then tossed the ball into shallow centerfield attempting to preserve Ramos close at second. Ramos scored from third on Kevin Barker's examine swing that trickled down the very first base line. Daniel Murphy barehanded the ball but his throw was slightly excessive and Nickeas didn't have a probability to slap the tag down. Danny Espinosa then reached on a bunt single, but Jerry Hairston Jr. grounded into a force out at second when he was way in front of the changeup. The 33-year-old got out of the inning having a 4-6-3 double play to double in the speedy Nyjer Morgan.

In his second inning of work, Ian Desmond doubled off the glove on Russ Adams, an infielder playing in proper field, and Matt Stairs drove him home right after Roger Bernadina walked. In the six seasons in the majors, Carrasco is 23-18 having a four.31 ERA. He split 2010 between Pittsburgh and Arizona, appearing in 63 games and posting a decent 3.18 ERA.

Fantasy Baseball Rankings 2011: Catchers

The catcher position is really unappreciated when people speak about baseball. In lots of ways they're the point guard for the defense, calling the pitches, calming their hurler when he's off his game and when required, creating vital plays such as throwing out possible base-stealers and blocking pitches which go awry. Every single time a pitcher throws a complete game-shut out, their catcher deserves an help.

That's actual baseball. This however, is an write-up about fantasy baseball, and in fantasy baseball catchers are largely a liability. Due to the physically-taxing nature of sitting inside a crouched position for three hours a game, they typically lack a high batting common and home run upside and don't get nearly the at-bats of other positions due to the want for days off, significantly reducing their value in our numbers racket.

Some young backstops are helping revive the position a little this season, but for all those of you within your first years of fantasy baseball, the general rule is of thumb is wait ahead of filling your catcher spot. Right here's the very first installment of my 2011 fantasy baseball rankings. Viewpoint are encouraged. Joe Mauer, Minnesota Twins The practically unanimous amount one-ranked catcher, Mauer didn't live up to the expectations of his ungodly 2009 season by which he hit 28 house runs and batted .365 but wasn't precisely a bust either, unless you call a .327 batting regular bust-worthy. Expecting a return to the 20-plus bombs range would be a lot, but 15 together with 80/80 as well as a .320+ common is lots reasonable.

Victor Martinez, Detroit Tigers Martinez gets the nod at quantity two more than Buster Posey for one reason and a single reason only: he won't really be playing catcher this season. The Detroit Tigers get him to lined up to be their major designated hitter, playing a few days a week at catcher and filling out sporadically at initial base. This enables him to play daily, thus giving him far more odds to create for your squad. Thinking about he's hit 20-plus home runs and batted .300 in all but a single season because 2004 (minus his injury-shortened 2008), which will operate out nicely for his owners.

Buster Posey, San Francisco Giants The hottest new kid on the block, Posey erupted onto the scene in June, raping and pillaged his method to a jaw-dropping 18 property runs, a .305 batting average and an eventual World Series ring. It's unrealistic to anticipate that rate of production to continue and it will be interesting to determine how he handles a complete season of catcher duties, but 18-20 dingers and a .300 regular is a lot attainable.

Carlos Santana, Cleveland Indians The other wunderkind to hit the scene last season, Santana is managing a bit far more underneath the radar as a result of his season being cut short with a brutal LCL injury sustained in early August. He has the skills to be a monster at this weak position and the minor-league pedigree to back it up. Although a .210 batting regular slump in July is a tad concerning, Bill James (83/22/91/7/.280 projection) clearly believes in the young rock star's expertise. If he comes anyplace near to these projections he'll be a lot worth his latest 7th round ADP in ESPN leagues.

Brian McCann, Atlanta Braves Formerly the pace-setter at the catcher position, McCann has fallen on draft boards as of late on account of 3 years of declining batting averages along with a rising strikeout rate, ironically coinciding with persistent eye-problems. While these are worrisome statistics, it is possible to' argue with his home run swing, having hit 18 or more bombs in all five of his skilled seasons. He surely has his warning signs, but if you'd like established, consistent power there's no greater choice.

Flirting with Perfection: Ten Guys Who Could Throw a Perfect Game in 2011

The best game club continues to be one of Baseball's most exclusive clubs. Considering that Cy Young threw the very first modern-day perfect game in 1905, only 17 other men have accomplished the identical.

Fresh off Mark Buehrle's perfect game last year, Dallas Braden and Roy Halladay upped the ante this year. Braden joined the club May well 9 , 2010 against the Tampa Bay Rays, whilst Halladay perfected a near-perfect season 20 days later from the Florida Marlins.

The feat marked the first time two perfect games have been thrown in the same year, let alone exactly the same month. It appeared how the list was going to have its third member in 2010, but Three days later, Armando Galarraga's bid with perfection was cut brief after Jim Joyce blew the game-winning call.

With a new season ahead of us, it is time to look at ten guys who could join among baseball's most heralded lists. I'm not going to count Roy Halladay out from repeating soon after he accompanied his ideal game with a no-hitter within the playoffs, but this list will concentrate on guys that have each won no-hitters or have come close inside the past.

Throwing a no-hitter takes a lot of luck along with a little bit of skill, and Armando Galarraga showed that you don't have to lead the league in hits and walks permitted to come close, but it sure does turn it into a lot easier.

Mark Richt and Georgia Football: An excellent Story About a fantastic Man

Say what you need to about Mark Richt and the coaching capacity, but the fact remains that there isn't a far better man managing a college football system in the SEC than Richt. Richt is a man of faith and it is quite open about that. For that, I commend him. Nonetheless, in this piece I will show another side of him that's not being reported or discussed within the mainstream media.

It isn't about a player acquiring arrested and Richt punishing him. It has nothing to complete with X's and O's or winning football games. What this story shows is when a man won in the game of life. This is actually the story of James Eunice. 2-3 weeks ago, a 17-year-old student, James Eunice, drowned whilst duck hunting. Eunice were built with a dream of becoming a Georgia Bulldog. He wasn't offered a scholarship, but he was accepted to the University of Georgia. Eunice had dreams of becoming a walk-on for the Georgia Bulldogs.

Jay Rome and Malcolm Mitchell, members from the Bulldogs' 2011 recruiting class, played football with Eunice and were on hand at his funeral. The heartfelt letter concluded with the line, "Oh yeah, James produced the team." At that time, a Georgia jersey with Eunice's No. 23 was revealed, and the crowd stood and applauded. If that doesn't make you tear up, i quickly do not know what will. In per day and age when nfl and college football players and coaches are violating rules, getting arrested and screwing up, it is nice to hear a story about this excellent deed.

If you think that acts such as this go unnoticed by top football recruits, you're mistaken. "I'm going to play to have an extraordinary man," said Rome. Mitchell, yet another member of the 2011 class, mentioned, "It helped me proud to be a Bulldog." I will add to those quotes and proudly say that i'm glad to be a fan, student and supporter of the University of Georgia football plan. The wins have lacked in the last couple years, but Mark Richt is a winner off the field.

We may not have bragging rights, but I do not care. We have a thing much more important. Eventually, this program will get turned about, and sooner rather than later. But one factor is for positive: There's no greater man running a college football plan than Mark Richt.

Jadeveon Clowney: Can South Carolina Gamecocks Anticipate To Win SEC?

The South Carolina Gamecocks football program received a unique valentine nowadays as the top defensive finish prospect in the country, Jadeveon Clowney, committed to coach Steve Spurrier and the Gamecocks on national television. Clowney's commitment signifies a top-fifteen recruiting class, based on ESPN.com, as well as a lot more momentum for the flowering predicament in Columbia.

The Gamecocks are coming fresh off an SEC East title, and several think they've the caliber players to create a serious run for a conference title this year. On paper, South Carolina indeed has looked like the far better team in the SEC East, and Clowney's commitment surely puts a magnifier more than an otherwise second tier plan. Should you look at their personnel and coaching staff, the Gamecocks stand out.Steve Spurrier is an offensive mind who's seemingly finally identified a place to sit with the fans of South Carolina, and offensive weapons like Stephen Garcia, Alshon Jeffery, and Marcus Lattimore are All-SEC caliber players who need to result in the team look like a sure fire pick in 2011 to win the division. But, in the well-known and over employed words of Lee Corso, "Not so fast my pal." Confident, Jadeveon Clowney is going to be an instant weapon on defense, however the Gamecocks are going to need far more than one rush end in 2011 to produce an additional title run. Clowney's commitment shouldn't alter our opinions of Sc that considerably just but.

Having a team coached by Steve Spurrier, the success of the quarterback and the offensive skill players are what get you to the top. Stephen Garcia needs to be all of the focus for South Carolina fans, also as the performance of incoming sophomore Marcus Lattimore, who rushed for over 1,000 yards and racked up an outstanding 17 touchdowns in his freshman campaign. If you look at other years beneath Spurrier's tenure at Sc, you will see a lot of successful defensive ends and outside linebackers who were members of mediocre teams. Clowney, if he begins right away, will merely be replacing the rush finish spot left vacant by a darn excellent defensive end in Cliff Matthews, who finished his eligibility this past season.

South Carolina has also had very good defenses within the past two years. What put the Gamecocks more than the hump in 2010 was the emergence of the offense, and it is fairly evident this team will sink or swim depending on their scoring output, not their stingy defense. Gamecock fans may need to look no additional than a couple of miles north to realize that. Clemson's DaQuan Bowers, who was the top defensive end of his class and also the projected top overall defensive end in the NFL draft, would be a four year member of a Tiger team who floated in a pool of mediocrity.

And, to not take any credit away, but Sc won the SEC East having a 5-3 conference record. The probabilities of an SEC division becoming that down are fairly slim. Georgia, who might be South Carolina's greatest competitor within the SEC East subsequent year, earns an influence running back in Isaiah Crowell who would likely neutralize any championship performances put up by Marcus Lattimore. Crowell has just as significantly potential to make an immediate influence at his respective position as Clowney does, but Crowell is at a lot more of an impact position. Every thing Marcus Lattimore did this past year proves that. He changed the complexness of the South Carolina offense.

There is just more potential for certain top players to create drastic impacts on teams at some positions more than other people, and also the situation of running back versus defensive end is one each South Carolina and rival fanbases like Georgia and Florida know too nicely. Also, both fan bases have discovered in current years that top recruiting isn't every thing. Having players like Tim Tebow, Percy Harvin, Matthew Stafford, and Knowshon Moreno can immediately turn your team right into a BCS contender.

It is just the reality. Those positions have which may matter much more. Do I need to even bring up Auburn's turnaround? Some thing about a guy named Cam? What I'm fundamentally telling your reader is easy, and frankly includes a dose of irony. Sc, a team who is not a historic recruiting energy residence, ought to open its ears to Florida and Georgia faithful who warn them of hype. But do not fear South Carolina. The Gamecocks already might have, despite what individuals could assume, those particular pieces in place. Marcus Lattimore and Stephen Garcia could be that Tebow and Harvin, or Stafford and Moreno. They could very effectively lead the Gamecocks to Atlanta once more.

If you would like me to utilize an extremely forced metaphor, Clowney may be the unbelievable very good tasting fries, but none of that may matter if the burger is undercooked. Spurrier's offensive personnel from the burger. You dig? Sc is set in what they are undertaking, and should transition well from 2010 to 2011, especially with Clowney, while Georgia and Florida might still be trying to figure out who they're. I'll give the Gamecocks the nod inside the SEC East, but to say they are an SEC winner signifies saying they are a BCS contender. With Alabama, LSU, and possibly another Auburn team dominating the West, it's hard to imagine the Gamecocks could win the SEC.

Nebraska Football Recruiting: Will Proceed to Huge Ten Hurt Huskers' Texas Pipeline?

Nebraska's official move to the Large Ten is on July 1, but when fan sentiment is any suggestion, the Cornhuskers are already creating themselves comfortable as members. Encyclopedias are being rifled through with regards to traditions from the Huge Ten. Plans are now being devised on how fans will jam their traveling hordes into each and every new opposing stadium. When there is a bleeding-edge facility 50 feet underground someplace in Lincoln studying the movements of each and every returning Large Ten football player, it might come as no surprise.

With each a conference switch and new hires, there's a topic worth revisiting that's essential to the Cornhuskers' good results. Will Nebraska still be in a position to successfully recruit in the state of Texas? Cornhusker fans are no doubt really familiar with incoming recruits Jamal Turner and Aaron Green. Both are natives of the Lone Star State. They're coming compliments of Tim Beck. In Green's case, Ron Brown lent some help. Offensive lineman Givens Mordi Cost calls Houston property. Credit Beck once again, as no coach on the Nebraska roster has much more ties towards the city.

Looking back twelve months, Beck's name appears repeatedly. Brown and John Papuchis, both remaining members of Pelini's staff, also are responsible for good results inside the state. Since Bo Pelini had become the head coach of the Nebraska Cornhuskers, 89 recruits have been signed. Twenty of those had been from Texas comprising about 22 percent of recruits signed. Ron Brown, John Papuchis and Barney Cotton have all chipped in, but half of those 20 Texans were signed, sealed and delivered by Beck. Nebraska doesn't show any sign of slowing down with double-digit delivers already designed to Lone Star prospects with this cycle.

Even though it might be tempting for many prospects to stay inside the Large 12 due the house state-heavy conference slate, the Cornhuskers hold some trump cards. Nebraska includes a somewhat less complicated road towards the BCS by being in a conference that has a championship game. This enables the Cornhuskers some leeway should they choose up a loss in their division. Some recruits like to be inside the spotlight. Unless they prefer to get a Longhorn, that's not most likely to come about almost as much within the Large 12. The Cornhuskers will be featured prominently on the Huge Ten Network. Years ago, games early on Nebraska's schedule had been usually relegated to pay-per-view status because of contracted Huge 12 networks not picking up the contests. The Huskers don't have to worry about that any longer with the Large Ten's several media outlets.

An additional key point of contention is stability. It's all well and good that Texas is a member of the Big 12 now, but what happens if/when the conference crumbles? Will the Longhorns go independent and play whomever they need? If so, a guaranteed yearly in-state schedule goes up in smoke. The Cornhuskers are going to be members from the nation's oldest, and possibly most stable conference. The Big Ten is also putting in framework to pump millions into every single member school on the yearly basis.