There is always a lull between the Super Bowl and the start of March Madness. Ideally, the NBA would get us through but we are disappointed year after year – especially here in New York. But SU is here to toss out a few tidbits to help you stay engaged:
- While the Knicks seem like a circus now following the Charles Oakley incident, there were a few promising signs yesterday in the win over the Spurs. First, Carmelo Anthony’s shooting arm is in good shape as evidenced by the number of shots he threw up in the 2nd half. It was staggering to the extent that others are frozen out of the offense. He had a good day but obviously this is easily defended. SU was pleased by the performance of Willy Hernangomez – Hubie Brown loves this guy. He seems to have good chemistry with Courtney Lee and moves without the ball. Of course, neither Derrick Rose or Melo will throw it to him but it’s a start.
- Interesting how James Dolan had something like 8 former Knicks at yesterday’s game including Latrell Sprewell. Too funny. Charles Oakley is holding a press conference later this week. I am sure that will go well.
- SU went to another Westchester Knicks game this past Friday night with long-time subscriber S. Caley. There is no truth to the rumor that Charles Oakley’s son was barred admission to the County Center. As mentioned before, this is great value – fun to see almost NBA talent from just a few feet away. And they play hard. What a concept.
- People need to move on from Kevin Durant going to Golden State. Russell Westbrook is a great, athletic talent but you can see how playing 2nd fiddle to him gets old.
- UConn women going for win #100 in a row tonight vs. South Carolina. Point spread is something like 13 which seems crazy. SU anticipates a close game here – very physical.
- SU read that Noah Syndergaard added 15 pounds of muscle this off season and is hoping to throw even harder. I am not a fan of bulking up like this – only bad things happen. Time will tell but this needs to be watched.
- Finally, Northwestern with a big road win over Wisconsin. They need to break the streak and make the NCAAs this year. Doug Collins’ son doing a great job as coach. Michigan beat Indiana for the 2nd time in two weeks and Indy coach Tom Crean is approaching meltdown mode. He is just ahead of Tom Izzo in my book for most annoying coaches. Always struggles to give credit where credit is due. Michigan trying to be inside the bubble instead of out.
Sports Update Intergalactic 
With Syndergaard bulking up we can already see the effect Tebow is having on the Mets organization. Crean getting steamrolled by the Michigan player was worth the price of admission. Maybe this will help keep coaches off the court as the sixth defender?
So, true Pete. Crean and Izzo are often 10 feet onto the court. There is a thing called the sideline. In the NFL and college football, coaches and players get penalized for that. I think it’s time to see that enforced on the basketball court.
The Oakley thing is a joke. Dolan parading some well like players from the past is an embarrassment. Can the NBA step in? I still blame Carmelo Anthony for the last several years of on-the-court play. But the organization overall is a mess.
Enough people are questioning Syndergaard’s decision to bulk up that you have to wonder who advised him to do it. Also, starting to hear some buzz about Wheeler and the Mets faithful are gearing up again about the rotation, ready to cast the Cooperstown plaques already. Question: What was the average number of wins for Syndergaard, Harvey, Matz, deGrom and Wheeler last year. I’ll save you the calculator time. The answer is 7. What about 2015? 8. Yes, I’m including zeros for Wheeler but that’s part of the point. (The averages jump to 9 and 10 if you just count the other four pitchers.) There’s definitely reason to be hopeful that this rotation will be something special but there’s no reason to expect it.
So true about pitchers making all of their starts. It just never happens unless we are talking about the 1969 Baltimore Orioles. You can project all you want but history says there will be injuries. That’s why I was surprised that they let Bartolo Colon leave although no doubt it was a money issue. Pitching staffs on paper do not translate for 162 games.
Scariest thing about the Knicks is that you can see them coming back next season with exactly the same product. Who are they going to get to come play here now? You have a GM who’s checked out. A coach who can’t control his players. A selfish superstar. A moody owner who bans beloved former players from the building. How long ago was it when people thought the Knicks would have a hard time recruiting free agents because Donnie Walsh was in a wheelchair? That’s nothing compared to where they are now.
What is up with the G-men cutting both Jennings and Cruz?