There are plenty of good topics to talk about this time around. March Madness. Who’s gonna win the NBA MVP? What’s going on with the Denver Broncos? Is Donte Stallworth in trouble? Let the debate begin… 

NCAA Basketball 

March Madness! It's one of my favorite sporting events of the year. This is a time where the impossible happens. Go hard or go home. Over-rated teams get exposed, mid-major schools make a name for themselves, and the team that shows the most grit and determination usually ends up cutting down the nets at the end. The tournament field has now been set and it’s been a lot of speculation as to who are the favorites in each region. Here’s a peek at who I think can make it to the Final Four in Detroit. 

Midwest- #1 seed Louisville Cardinals

This is arguably the hottest team in tournament right now. After winning a regular season title in the best conference in the country, they went on to win the Big East conference tournament also. They were one of the #1 seeds that actually took care of their business in the conference tournament and didn’t slip up on the way. They are led by the dynamic duo of Earl Clark and Terrence Williams and coached by one of the best in the business, Rick Pitino. I really struggled not to put Wake Forest here because they could cause Louisville some problems. They will be their biggest challenger in this region.

West- #2 seed Memphis Tigers

Led by the charismatic John Calipari, the Tigers are the best defensive team in the nation. They are very long, athletic and play passing lanes extremely well. The knock on them is that they play in the weak Conference USA. But if you ask me, you’re good, you’re good. Just ask anybody who played against Derrick Rose and CDR (Chris Douglas Roberts) last year in the tournament. They feature one of the best freshmen in the nation in Tyreke Evans and he will have to come up big for them to be successful. Returning starters Antonio Anderson and Robert Dozier should also help their cause. The one team that could give them trouble is the UConn Huskies, who are in the same region as a #1seed.

East- #1 seed Pittsburgh Panthers

The Pittsburgh Panthers are a very dangerous team in this year’s tournament. They are a tough, and battle tested team coming out of the mighty Big East Conference. In my opinion they might have the easiest road to the Final Four with Duke and Villanova being their biggest threats. In the end I think Pitt just has too much fire power for them not to prevail. Coach Jamie Dixon has a monster in the low post in DeJuan Blair and a very capable point guard in LeVance Fields. Add in Juan Dixon’s younger brother Jermaine Dixon on the perimeter and the explosive Sam Young at forward, they definitely have what it takes to be a champion. This is my pick to win the championship. Yep, you heard it here first.

South- #1 seed North Carolina Tar Heels

This looks to be the consensus pick for the championship this year. They may be the most talented and most experienced team in the field. They have an outstanding coach in Roy Williams who have put the Tar Heels back on top in his tenure in Chapel Hill. Power forward Tyler Hansbrough will be an ACC legend when it’s all said and done as he’s averaged a double-double for the last four years. Wayne Ellington and Danny Green are a pretty tough match-up on the perimeter also. The key to their success is the health of speedy point guard Ty Lawson who has been hampered by a bad toe. The Tar Heels can win their opening round game and maybe even their second round too, but they will definitely need Lawson’s services, should they reach the Sweet Sixteen and beyond. 

NBA

M.V.P…. Most Valuable Player! Is it the best player in the game, the best player on the best team, or is it the player with the best stats for the season? Depending on how you look at it, this year, there’s a player for each category. 

Best Player in the game- Kobe Bryant

Yeah, I said it. Even the biggest Lebron James fans have to admit Kobe is the best right now. This dude has ice water running through his veins. His determination and will to win is the best I’ve seen since Jordan. There are a few people on his heels to take that top spot, but right now he’s the man. His stats aren’t the best in league, but he’s having a great season along with his team leading the Western Conference standings. The only thing standing in his way is fact that he won MVP last year and his stats aren’t much better this year.

Best Player on the best team- Lebron James

As of today the Cavaliers have the best record in the NBA, with Lebron James leading the charge. Even though this is a 3 man race, smart money might be on LBJ to win. He’s the best player on the best team. Also the fact that he’s never won the award before should factor in as well. Lebron is definitely closing the gap on Kobe for tops in the game, but in my opinion, this year the MVP goes to Lebron.

Player with the best stats- Dwayne Wade

D.Wade is terrorizing the league right now. He doesn’t have the supporting cast as Kobe and Lebron, but he’s taking it upon himself to get the Heat into the playoffs. Wade might end up with the best stats, but with his team struggling for a playoff birth. This may cost him a shot at MVP.

Hottest in the game (Player) -Lebron James

I know, I probably sound like a homer with all of the Cavs talk (That’s right, I’m Cleveland born and bred), but Lebron has been on a mission that no one can deny. He recently had 3 back to back triple doubles on the Cavs latest West Coast road trip. He also added 43 points, 12 rebounds, and 8 assists including a clutch three pointer to edge the Orlando Magic on Tuesday.

Hottest in the game (Team) -Cleveland Cavaliers

Why not keep the love fest going? The Cavs are 10-1 in their last 11 games, which is tops in the league in that span. The chemistry of this team is very good right now and guys are really stepping up. Mo Williams has really helped take some of the pressure off Lebron this year by hitting some big shots. 
 
 
 

NFL

Denver Broncos 

What’s going on out in Denver? You’ve got your new head coach on a totally different page than your star quarterback? Doesn’t sound like a good situation to me! I don’t know who to side with in this scenario. On one hand new coach Josh McDaniels tried to trade for his old QB in New England, Matt Cassel and made it clear he tried to do so. He also said Cutler can still be traded even though Cassel landed with the rival Kansas City Chiefs. Jay Cutler obviously wants more job security. Sure, he hasn’t won a super bowl or anything, but he put up some nice numbers last season and has a pro bowl appearance under his belt. In my opinion, I think Cutler ends up getting traded because you have to be in tune with your quarterback, especially for an offensive guy like McDaniels.  

Donte Stallworth 

Donte Stallworth may be in some serious trouble. He was reportedly driving a black Bentley GT and hit a man while driving over a bridge. Stallworth has been through a toxicology test and the results should be in next week. If this comes back positive, this would be a huge blow for the Cleveland Browns, and the future of Donte Stallworth. With Stallworth possibly facing jail time and with all of the Braylon Edwards rumored trade talk, look for the Browns to take wide receiver in the early rounds of the NFL draft this year. 

A few more things…

The New England Patriots are having a great off-season. I couldn’t help but notice some of the acquisitions they’ve recently made. Former Ohio State teammates Joey Galloway should help in the passing game and Shawn Springs adds depth to the secondary. Leigh Bodden has been a capable starter in this league at cornerback. Fred Taylor is past his prime, but can still be viable option. Rumor has it that New England is after Carolina Panthers defensive end Julius Peppers. Looks like Bill Belichick is trying to make a serious run at the title next season. 

Houston Rockets forward Carl Landry was shot recently in Houston. He apparently was rear-ended by another vehicle and Landry got out to inspect the damage. The men in the other vehicle then shot Landry in the leg before dashing off into the night. I feel bad, because Landry did what anyone would’ve done. I guess he was just at the wrong place at the wrong time. 

Last but not least, the showdown I’ve been waiting for. The majority of the country will be watching the NCAA tournament, including myself, but momentarily I have to turn my attention to the NIT tournament for at least one game. In particular, St. Mary’s vs. Davidson and the matchup of Patrick Mills vs. Stephen Curry. It will definitely be a treat to watch these two gifted scorers square off. It’s just too bad it couldn’t be in the NCAA tournament instead of the NIT tournament (Nobody’s In Tuned Tournament)