The Memorial

This week it's Jack's Tourney, The Memorial. It's always one of the best non-majors of the year and it acts as the last big tuneup before the US Open. Tiger Woods is the defending champion of this event, in fact, he has won here five times. Will this be his sixth?

Andrew continues to lead the Pick 5 Challenge 1235 to 1102. A bad week though could get Greg right back in it. Categories this week include picking a favorite, a "birdie machine", a sleeper, a super sleeper, and a free choice. Here you go:

Greg's Picks

A Favorite: Rory McIlroy

A Birdie Machine: John Huh

A Sleeper: Ted Potter Jr.

A Super Sleeper: Guan Tianlang

Free Choice: Matt Kuchar

Andrew's Picks

A Favorite: Tiger Woods
A Birdie Machine: Keegan Bradley
A Sleeper: Billy Horschel
A Super Sleeper: Michael Thompson
Free Choice: Charl Schwartzel

By: The Sports Guys

NBA Mock Draft #1

Today I'm channeling my inner "8-ball" and am going to give my initial predictions for the First Round of next month's NBA Draft. A lot can change between now and then, so we'll call this Mock Draft #1. Please note that these picks are not based on what I would do, but what I think will happen. Take a look...

NBA First Round Mock #1

1. Cleveland Cavaliers select Nerlens Noel.

Cleveland's biggest need is SF, but taking Otto Porter or Shabazz Muhammed would be a stretch at #1. I do think there is a major chance they trade this pick, but I won't predict that quite yet either. Since they just drafted a SG (Waiters) in the Top 5 a year ago, I think they pass on McLemore and Oladipo and go with a big man. I'd take Cody Zeller but most teams see Noel as the top big man.

2. Orlando Magic select Ben McLemore.

The Magic have holes at nearly every spot on their roster. That brings all of the top guys into play. There has been chatter recently about Trey Burke, but I say they just take the best player available on their board, regardless of position. I believe they would value McLemore the most due to his scoring ability, athleticism, and upside.

3. Washington Wizards select Otto Porter Jr.

Similar to Cleveland, their biggest need is SF. But unlike the Cavs, this is a more appropriate spot to take one. If Noel falls to them, this would change, but right now I think Porter to the Wizards is extremely likely.

4. Charlotte Hornets select Victor Oladipo.

What Jordan has coveted over the last few drafts is "winners" regardless of if they have a true position or extremely high NBA skill. Kemba Walker and Michael Kidd-Gilchrist fit that mold. I think he continues to do that by drafting Oladipo. I think this would give him a young core (between those three) that could potentially gel and begin changing the losing culture there.

5. Phoenix Suns select Anthony Bennett.

The Suns are desperate for some wing players, so if Ben, Victor, or Otto fall, they will nab them up for sure. But in this mock they are all drafted. Bennett would help them inside right away and give them a young big man to learn from their vets.

6. New Orleans Pelicans select Trey Burke.

I nearly went with a big man here to pair with Anthony Davis, but I think they need a better floor general than what they've got. Rivers and Gordon are two guards that can score, but neither can run an offense, and that's why they need a PG. I think MCW and McCollum are possibilities here, but Burke is the better overall PG. Zeller or Len would be in the mix too if they go big.

7. Sacramento Kings select Cody Zeller.

When they decided to trade Thomas Robinson, that immediately opened up the door to draft another Top 10 PF. Zeller would be the perfect compliment to Cousins inside because Cody is everything Cousins isn't as a big man. He is more offensive minded, fast, and fundamental. That's just what the Kings now need.

8. Detroit Pistons select Shabazz Muhammed.

The Pistons are in a tough spot. Most of the top players left are point guards and big men, places I don't see them addressing with this pick. Muhammed would make a lot of sense in their system and still possesses great upside.

9. Minnesota Timberwolves select Alex Len.

Minnesota has a lot of holes but they have a big hole in the middle I think. Len would fill in nicely next to Kevin Love. Saric is a possibility here since they have plenty of foreign talent on their roster already.

10. Portland Trailblazers select CJ McCollum.

Portland could use a scoring and shooting counterpart to Lilllard. McCollum could play the off guard with Lillard and play point guard when needed too. His range would help stretch the court for Aldridge inside.

11. Philadelphia 76ers select Kentavious Caldwell-Pope.

I believe Philly will be looking to take the best available 2-4 player. Caldwell-Pope could give them some scoring punch and he is athletic with great upside too. If they can get Bynum healthy also, Caldwell-Pope could be another needed chip in returning to the playoffs.

12. Oklahoma City Thunder select Steven Adams.

A team this good getting the 12th pick overall seems unfair, but that's what happens when you trade a star like Harden. Plus, the 12th pick this year isn't what it would have been in prior years (or next year). I see them taking a center to back up and eventually replace Perkins. Adams is big, athletic, and young. He has a lot of room to grow, but I think he could be another piece to the puzzle in OKC. Note that I actually like Kelly Olynyk better here...

13. Dallas Mavericks select Michael Carter-Williams.

Much of what Dallas does here depends on their offseason moves in free agency. If they can somehow get Chris Paul or Deron Williams or something, then they don't take MCW. But in this mock, I just see them taking the best player available. MCW has a unique PG skill set and could be a solid player for years to come.

14. Utah Jazz select Dario Saric.

This was actually pretty simple. The Jazz are loaded with bigs, so I believe they take the best non-big available. Saric could go before this, but I doubt he would slide past Utah.

15. Milwaukee Bucks select Mason Plumlee.

They need some help inside and Plumlee gives them help on both ends. Olynyk is another possible fit but Plumlee gives them a bit more toughness and athleticism.

16. Boston Celtics select Kelly Olynyk.

Boston doesn't have many "holes" but at the same time they are old and need to find some replacements up and down their roster. Olynyk gives them a big man that can do a little of everything. I like his ability to play off the ball which he would do a lot of with this team.

17. Atlanta Hawks select Jamaal Franklin.

The Hawks need a more athletic and taller SG and Franklin can be that guy. He is also experienced enough to make an impact right away, which is important for a playoff team.

18. Atlanta Hawks select Tony Mitchell.

With two picks in a row, Atlanta can take a risk on a player with great upside. Mitchell has massive room to grow but the talent is there. If he ends up playing SF, he would give them a drastically different player than Korver, who often plays SF now.

19. Cleveland Cavaliers select Allen Crabbe.

Since they went big with the #1 pick, they need to grab a wing player with this pick. Crabbe gives them shooting that they currently don't have. He has good size for a SG also unlike Waiters.

20. Chicago Bulls select Reggie Bullock.

I nearly went with Gorgui Dieng, but if the Heat series showed them anything it's that they need more scoring. Bullock has that ability to score from the perimeter and the size to finish inside.

21. Utah Jazz select Shane Larkin.

I think the Jazz would be pumped if the draft played out like this. Larkin could be their point guard for years to come and this would be a steal at #21. He lacks size, but he makes up for it in all other areas.

22. Brooklyn Nets select Gorgui Dieng.

The Nets could use another big man and Dieng should be that guy. He would provide the interior defense while Lopez could still provide the interior offense.

23. Indiana Pacers select Dennis Schroeder.

I could make a case that the Pacers have no needs, but also needs at every position. Assuming they resign David West and Granger can successfully return from injury, I think point guard is the position to address. Hill is a more natural shooting guard and Augustine is too small to be great in the NBA. It's why the team struggles with turnovers. Schroeder could be a better long term floor general.

24. New York Knicks select Rudy Gobert.

Rudy is big and can be a factor defensively right away. Who better to learn from than Tyson Chandler? The other option I see here is Hardaway Jr. because he would fit their 3-point heavy scheme.

25. LA Clippers select Tim Hardaway Jr.

Hardaway is a terrific catch and shoot guy and would play off the ball terrifically with Chris Paul. The Clippers could go with a big man here, but I'm not crazy about any left on the board except Jeff Withey, and I don't see them going that direction here.

26. Minnesota Timberwolves select Sergey Karasev.

With a big man already drafted at #9, they need to go with a perimeter player here. They lack a shooter and Sergey could give them one. Plus, with Kirilenko already on the team, Sergey wouldn't be the only Russian.

27. Denver Nuggets select Deshaun Thomas.

To be honest, Thomas shouldn't last until this point in the draft, but teams just aren't crazy about him. He could go as high as #19 or dip into the early second round. The Nuggets could use a little more outside scoring though, as most of their damage is done in the paint.

28. San Antonio Spurs select Giannis Antetokounmpo.

He is young with potential and the Spurs could draft and stash him overseas. This would give him time to develop, learn, and grow. When he comes over, Coach Pop and the vets on this team would be great guys to learn from.

29. Oklahoma City Thunder select Erick Green.

With a big man at #12, the Thunder will go small here. Green is a versatile player that can play at the 1 or 2 and is a great playermaker/scorer. He isn't as highly thought of as Harden was, but he could provide the same type of things... bench production.

30. Phoenix Suns select Glen Rice Jr.

He is a D-League guy that has done pretty well there. Just like the Thunder, they should go small here since they went big earlier. Glen could give you a bit more production at the SG spot and give the team more scoring ability.

By: The Sports Guys

San Antonio Spurs

Last night, the Spurs advanced to the NBA Finals by sweeping the Memphis Grizzlies. That's impressive! What's even more impressive is that with all the Shaq, Lebron, Wade, Dirk, Kobe, and Big 3 talk over the last decade or so, this marks the fifth NBA Finals appearance for these Spurs since 1999. We should talk more about Tim Duncan, Tony Parker, and Manu Ginobli than what we do. Also note, the Spurs have WON all four times they have appeared here too in that span.

The two questions after last night were how did they get here, and can they win in the Finals again? They got here by playing great team basketball. Of course Tony Parker played like a star, but it is always a collaborative effort with this team. Coach Pop is the best active coach in the NBA and it shows year after year. They are unselfish and have no weakness (outside of age which isn't a factor in the playoffs due to the severe rest between every game and series). They also go a little lucky...

They drew the Kobe-less Lakers first. Then got the 6-seeded, inexperienced, and Lee-less Warriors. Lastly, they drew the Grizzlies (who I should note no longer have Rudy Gay), and that's because Memphis beat the Westbrook-less Thunder. Clearly, it was an easier road than expected. BUT, does this take away from their greatness? Not in my eyes. They played great all year long, even when they rested their stars, and they were geared up for these playoffs.

So can they beat the Heat (or Pacers)? Yes, I believe they can. Last year, I thought that if they could have gotten by the Thunder they would have definitely won the NBA Championship. I'm not as confident now, but they do have the pieces. They have size that can mess with Miami. They have speed to match them. They can score with them and play defense against them adequately. Sure they don't have the athleticism that Lebron and Wade have, but they don't need it based on their style of play. I also think that Tony Parker can run wild against them.

That's not to say I think the Spurs will win. Because I'd still take Miami. But I'm telling you there is a chance, a good chance. And if the Pacers shock the world and beat Miami, then the Spurs would be favored for sure. Who knows, maybe Duncan will get his fifth ring.

By: The Sports Guys

Memorial Day Musings

Good morning on this Memorial Day. I hope all of you will enjoy the day off, hopefully with family and/or friends. It's always a fun weekend that seemingly kicks off summer every year. Here are a few random thoughts I had this morning:

- Nothing marks Memorial Day like the Indy 500. Yesterday, I attended the race and had a blast watching as the field set new marks in average speed and lead changes. In fact, the number of lead changes yesterday (68) doubled the previous mark set last year (34). It was an exciting race but I was disappointed about the finish.

Like I said, the race was thrilling, but the last ten laps were filled with cautions. The first caution was lifted with 3 laps to go, setting up what looked to be an epic finish. But after half a lap, they went back under caution for the remainder of the race. Tony Kanaan had just taken the lead, and therefore, became the champ. But I smelled something fishy about it...

Right after Kanaan took over the lead, his best friend Dario Franchitti crashed into the wall sending the race into a that last caution. Franchitti was out of it, so to me it looked as if he hand delivered TK his first Indy 500 win. Even on the victory lap, TK went by the wreck and they exchanged thumbs up and words. I know because it happened right in front of me...

- Yesterday was also Game 3 between the Pacers and Heat. And it sucked. Miami dominated nearly the entire way and won easily. The Pacers lacked the intensity they played with in the first two games, and Miami finally looked like the better team. Game 4 is now a must win for Indiana to make the series interesting once again.

- The other big event this weekend is the start of the French Open. Greg and I didn't post an official breakdown, but we did predict the champs. Andrew likes Nadal and Serena. Greg thinks Nadal and Azarenka will win. The men's champ was easy to call, as Nadal dominates on clay and has won plenty of tournaments coming in. The women's champ is a little more up in the air though, which is why there was disagreement. Who can come up with the shots when it counts?

On the men's side, don't count out Djokovic and Federer. Fed got the best draw because he is opposite of both Novak and Rafa. But Novak is still ranked #1 and has had Rafa's number over the last couple of years. You never know what will happen.

- That's all we got for you on this Holiday. Enjoy the day!

By: The Sports Guys

Crowne Plaza Invitational

This week the PGA Tour goes to Colonial CC for a nice, laid back event. It's the calm before the storm, as the summer swing is right around the corner. Overall in the Pick 5 Challenge, Andrew now leads 1167 to 1058. Greg needs a good week.

We're mixing up the categories this week a little. All five picks must be Americans and all must be outside the Top 30 in the WGR. That's going to be tough sledding. Here we go:

Greg's Picks

Jordan Spieth
Jonathan Byrd
Stewart Cink
Luke Guthrie
Ryan Moore

Andrew's Picks

Kyle Stanley
Dicky Pride
John Huh
Scott Piercy
Casey Wittenberg

By: The Sports Guys

NBA Big Board

With the NBA Draft Lottery tonight, we wanted to post our top 14 prospects (the lottery consists of 14 picks). This may shed some light on what may occur in the June draft, particularly after tonight’s lottery selections.

Now, before I begin, let me just say I am not being biased. After looking at the Top 3 one might think that, but I spent weeks now thinking through this. The NBA Draft Combine this past weekend finalized my decisions (at least for the time being).

NBA Draft Big Board (Lottery Edition)

1. Victor Oladipo, 21, SG, Indiana

This board came down to Oladipo vs. McLemore for the top spot. While McLemore may have the advantage offensively, Victor has the slight edge in athleticism (best in draft) due to his better lateral quickness, defensively due to his higher motor (best in draft), and intangibles due to his supreme work ethic (best in draft). I doubt he gets picked at #1, but any team that passes on him will regret it.

Similar Player: He’s already like Tony Allen but could turn into Dwayne Wade.

2. Ben McLemore, 20, SG, Kansas

McLemore is the second best athlete in this draft and is also one of the best scorers. Those things will translate into a fine NBA career. He has room to grow defensively and could learn a thing or two about work ethic from others around him. I see him drafted either first or second overall.

Similar Player: Mix of OJ Mayo and Ray Allen

3. Cody Zeller, 20, PF, Indiana

Like teammate Oladipo, Zeller shined at the combine. He’s now considered one of the best athletes in the draft, not just for his size, but overall. His 35-inch standing vertical made history for big men, and that’s not even mentioning the speed he possesses. He has a solid basketball IQ and has great shooting touch for a big man. He needs to get stronger defensively and needs to rely on his outside shot more. Will be a Top 10 pick but probably not Top 3 as I believe he should be.

Similar Player: A younger/quicker Pau Gasol.

4. Trey Burke, 20, PG, Michigan

The NCAA POY will be a solid pro I think. He can score and pass well, which means he can play any style the team needs. He is quick, solid defensively, and plays with poise. I don’t think he has massive upside, but he will be a solid guard for years in the NBA.

Similar Player: I think he’ll have a similar impact to Jameer Nelson.

5. Nerlens Noel, 19, C, Kentucky

He may end up going #1 overall but I’m not sold on him. He’s long and athletic, but so are a lot of big men in the NBA these days. I know he can make an impact defensively, but he is still very raw overall. One concern I have for him now is injuries, seeing as he is currently injured. I was convinced that Greg Oden would be great back in the day, but injuries prevented that. Noel may be too weak. The lowest official weight for a center at any combine previously was 223. Noel weighed in at 203. That scares me off just a touch.

Similar Player: At worst Joel Anthony (ouch), At best Dikembe Mutombo

6. Otto Porter, 19, SF, Georgetown

I like Porter’s size and versatility. He will be able to fit in with any team that drafts him. His demeanor will mesh well with any teammate and the kid knows how to win. The downside with Porter is that I don’t see an area where he excels. He’s not super-terrific in any one area, but just solid in all. He may be a good pro, but I don’t know if he can ever be great (as in a superstar).

Similar Player: He’s a lot like Tayshaun Prince.

7. Alex Len, 19, C, Maryland

After the top 6 it becomes a little less clear to me. The next groups of guys are similar in ability and are boom or bust prospects. What I like about Len is his size. He is a big dude and that translates well on the basketball court. He will provide solid interior scoring, defense, and rebounding. Paired with a good coach, he could have an All-Star game in him for sure.

Similar Player: He resembles Omer Asik in a lot of ways.

8. CJ McCollum, 21, PG, Lehigh

Came from a smaller, lesser-known program, but so did ROY Lillard. McCollum is very solid and steady, and can score extremely well for a point guard. What I like about him the most is that he is ready to step in and play immediately, unlike many of the other prospects.

Similar Player: Plays like Steph Curry, although I don’t think he becomes that good.

9. Shabazz Muhammed, 20, SF, UCLA

If in the right system, Muhammed can be a solid addition to an NBA roster. He is very athletic and has tremendous upside. He never really materialized at UCLA though which is worrisome. There needs to be some skill along with the athleticism. And for a small forward, 6-6 isn’t that big.

Similar Player: I see him as a slightly smaller Gerald Wallace.

10. Anthony Bennett, 20, PF, UNLV

Bennett is also a little undersized for his position, which hurts his long-term potential. That doesn’t mean he can’t make an impact, but it will be hard for him to be a dominant player. He has good athletic ability and decent touch for a big man however. He will likely get picked much higher than this position also.

Similar Player: A better shooting but lazier Dejuan Blair.

11. Michael Carter-Williams, 21, PG, Syracuse

Unlike the two players above, MCW has great size for his position. But for a point guard, does he have the handle to be great in the NBA? He must also improve his outside shot. The good news is that he is solid defensively and is a definite playmaker. I see the upside.

Similar Player: Reminds me of a PG picked around 11 last year… Marcus Williams.

12. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, 20, SG, Georgia

This guy has risen up draft boards recently and could continue to rise over the next month. I like that he can score in many different situations. He is also young with a lot of room to grow. Once he matures, he could really make teams who pass on him regret it.

Similar Player: I think of him as a taller Nate Robinson.

13. Kelly Olynyk, 22, C, Gonzaga

This starts the next tier of players. This is another big man that is versatile and has nice touch. He doesn’t have the upside that Cody Zeller does but plays in a similar fashion. He should be able to step in and play right away too. I think he must bulk up however.

Similar Player: He’s a similar prospect to Spencer Hawes from a couple years ago.

T14. Dario Saric, 19, SF, Croatia

I’m not a big fan of drafting foreign players very high (unless they are locks) but around this position seems right for Saric. He has a solid offensive game with great shooting ability and passing ability. He also has great size for a small forward. As normal, he will have to adapt to the style of the NBA, which may take a little time. But after a few years, he could be a really solid player.

Similar Player: A poor man’s Paul Pierce.

T14. Tim Hardaway Jr., 21, SG, Michigan

I’m a lot higher on Hardaway than many, but for good reason. He has nice size for a SG and can light it up from the perimeter. I remember watching him in a game against Ohio State and he singlehandedly kept Michigan in the game long enough to win it in OT. He made like six 3’s in the second half. I saw the upside in that game (and others like it) and think he may deserve a late lottery pick. Shooting is becoming a lost art in the NBA, but Hardaway has it.

Similar Player: Tim Hardaway Sr. (haha, probably not)

The rest of the NBA Big Board will be released as we get closer to the draft.

By: The Sports Guys

NBA Playoffs - Conference Finals

It's been a weird and entertaining playoffs as a whole, but it has disappointed in some areas. Rose never came back, Westbrook joined him as another injured star, and the Conference Finals aren't the "dream matchups" that the media wanted. The good news is that the four teams left have been the best teams in these playoffs.

We stated at the start of the playoffs that Greg and I would compete picking series throughout. If you get the team right, 2 points is rewarded. If you get the length of the series right, you gain an additional point. Greg has been astonishing. He has predicted the winner of every series so far (12/12). Andrew has missed on four going 8/12. Of those, Greg has gotten the length correct five times, Andrew only 3. Therefore the standings to date are:

Greg: 29

Andrew: 19

Today we post our Conference Finals predictions and analysis. This was done yesterday before the first game out West. Enjoy!

Western Conference

2 San Antonio Spurs vs. 5 Memphis Grizzlies

Analysis: Outside of Golden State, these two teams have clearly dominated the West in the playoffs. The Spurs are using experience and balanced, team basketball. Memphis is using punishing defense and physical offensive play in the paint. Each team has stars, yet they lack a true "superstar" that many believe is needed to win big in this league. I love how they buck the trend.

I expect this to be a physical and somewhat defensive series. I think the Spurs will have a scoring advantage outside (Parker, Manu, Kawhi, etc.). I think Tony Allen will guard multiple players, but I don't know how well he can do on Parker. Conley won't be able to stop him consistently either. On the other side, I see Memphis having an advantage inside. The Spurs have big bodies, but I don't know if they can consistently contain Gasol and Randolph.

So with each team having an advantage, this should be a great series. Both teams have proven to be solid on the road, which means every game should be great. This could be an epic series.

Predictions: 

Andrew - Spurs in 7.

Greg - Spurs in 7.

Eastern Conference

1 Miami Heat vs. 3 Indiana Pacers

Analysis: I've been waiting for this matchup all season. They played last year in the playoffs and Miami struggled. I think Indiana is better than they were then so this will be an even better dogfight. Words have started on both sides as they clearly don't like each other. And as good as Miami is, Indiana matches up great against them and plays a tough style for the Heat to deal with. Indiana leads the series this year 2-1 (regular season).

Most teams can't match up defensively with the "Big 3" but Indiana can. Stephenson can guard Wade well, West and Bosh cancel each other out, and Paul George can guard Lebron better than practically anyone in the league. Throw Hibbert in the paint to cut off the rim, and all of a sudden the Heat are somewhat limited. On offense, Indiana pounds it inside. The Heat don't have the bigs to guard that consistently so that's why Indiana can trouble them on both ends.

BUT, Miami has the stars to make plays the Pacers can't. They have experience winning here which the Pacers don't. The Heat are also a great defensive team and Indiana can struggle scoring at times. And that could be what costs Indiana their chance.

Overall, I see this series being the most intriguing of the playoffs yet. It's a contrast in styles and player personalities that will add up to pure entertainment. We're from Indiana, so you know who we'd like to see win...

Predictions: 

Andrew - Heat in 7.

Greg - Indiana in 7.

Tell us what you think, and who you agree with. Enjoy the Conference Finals!

By: The Sports Guys

HP Byron Nelson Championship

After the big event last week (The Players Championship), we're keeping it light this week for the Byron Nelson Championship. For our Pick 5 Challenge, each of us simply listed the first five guys that popped into our head. Here are our picks:

Greg's Picks

Louis Oosthuizen
Jason Dufner
Matt Kuchar
Brian Harman
Michael Bradley

Andrew's Picks

Jason Day
Jason Dufner
Keegan Bradley
Jeff Overton
Ted Potter Jr.

PS: Andrew continues to lead for the year.

By: The Sports Guys

The Wiggins Effect

Andrew Wiggins, the #1 basketball recruit in the country, committed to Kansas today. What does that mean? First, let's look at what it means for the other finalists who didn't get him.

Florida State

FSU was the sentimental favorite. His parents went there and the Seminoles were very seriously in the running. Their main problem is that they weren't good last year and they lost their only elite player (Michael Snaer). They haven't had many lottery picks in recent memory so that hurt their chances with Andrew.

As a team, even with Wiggins they were likely still sitting outside the Top 25 and only a potential bubble team. Without him they are headed towards another disappointing season like last year. Wiggins was a huge loss for them in recruiting.

North Carolina

UNC was where I thought would be the best landing spot for Wiggins. With him, they would have potentially unseated Kentucky from the top spot in the rankings. Williams knows how to churn out top picks as well so it made sense.

As a team without Wiggins, they are still among the nation's best. They return most from a fairly successful team, and add in some great recruits as it is. They will be a Top 15 or even Top 10 team come the regular season and will be right there with Duke and Syracuse fighting for the ACC title. Wiggins was a big loss for them, but there is hope still and excitement for the season (unlike Florida State).

Kentucky

To put it simply, they will be just fine. Kentucky's recruiting class is still regarded as potentially the best of all-time. Those freshmen and the key players returning make up a team that most consider the best in the country (preseason of course). Losing Wiggins to Kansas doesn't change that at all. In fact, they could be better off for it because the pressure won't be near as high on them as it would have been with Wiggins. Coach Cal is still pumped about this coming season.

Kansas

So what does this mean for the Jayhawks, the team that gets "the best prospect since Lebron"? It means they will be very good. It means that they go from a team ranked around 20 to a team inside the Top 10 or even Top 5. It puts them ahead of Oklahoma State as the Big 12 favorites once again. It gives them a legit shot at the Final Four or even National Championship. It gives them one of the best starting lineups in college basketball (Tharpe, Seldon, Wiggins, Ellis, Embiid).

BUT, they now have enormous pressure on them again. PLUS, Wiggins will have tremendous pressure on him to be "the guy" and that can be hard. We saw players recently like Harrison Barnes and Shabazz Muhammed melt under the pressure of being #1 and that highly regarded.

College Basketball (as a whole)

I loved last season. It was exciting and fun watching all the parity everywhere. Any team could be any other. But this year could be even better. There are more "top" teams and it's a pretty even spread. Think about these races:

ACC - Duke, UNC, Syracuse (newly added)...
Big 12 - Kansas (Wiggins) vs. Oklahoma State (Smart)
Big Ten - Michigan, Michigan State, Ohio State...
SEC - Kentucky (freshmen) vs. Florida (vets)

The new Big East will be filled with good games, along with the new American Conference. Plus, if Alford can coach well at UCLA, they may seriously challenge Arizona who looks great on paper. So if you weren't looking forward to next season yet, you better start!

By: The Sports Guys

MLB Power Rankings

Haven’t done MLB Power Rankings in a month, but we know so much more about teams at this point. Some have picked up their play; others have left us wanting more. One thing we know for sure is that these rankings will change continuously.

MLB Power Rankings – May 13, 2013

NOTE: Previous Power Ranking in parenthesis.

1. (4) Texas Rangers (24-13) – Best record in baseball and riding a four game winning streak. I love their balance of pitching and hitting. It’s amazing how they experience roster turnover yearly yet always seem to be around the top of these standings.

2. (7) St. Louis Cardinals (23-13) – They own the second best run differential in baseball and are 8-2 in their last ten games. The most impressive part about them is their excellence on the road… 14-7.

3. (15) New York Yankees (23-13) – Winners of five straight games, the Yankees are finally hitting their stride. They should continue to improve as they get healthier throughout the season.

4. (13) Detroit Tigers (20-15) – Detroit can score and pitch with anyone, hence their league best +53 differential. They do struggle a little on the road, which is the biggest area they can improve.

5. (11) San Francisco Giants (23-15) – Wasn’t a believer until this weekend when they beat the Braves in three straight games. That was impressive.

6. (10) Cincinnati Reds (22-16) – The Reds have improved continuously throughout the year. But while they are 16-6 at home, they are only 6-10 on the road.

7. (14) Baltimore Orioles (23-15) – Clearly in the hunt for the AL East division crown. But in a loaded division, can they keep this up? They lead the majors in runs scored (190) so that will help.

8. (25) Cleveland Indians (20-15) – Their tremendous rise has to do with the past couple of weeks. They are 8-2 in their last ten games and their pitching has been great recently.

9. (1) Atlanta Braves (21-16) – The Braves started hot, but have cooled off in recent weeks. They hit home runs well enough, but struggle hitting for average, which keeps them from scoring consistently. Pitching is fairly consistent though.

10. (5) Boston Red Sox (22-16) – The Red Sox also started hot, but have also cooled considerably. They are 2-8 in their last ten, one of the worst marks over that period.

11. (2) Washington Nationals (20-17) – They are only ranked this high because of talent, not on play. They are -12 in run differential and have severely struggled with run production.

12. (16) Colorado Rockies (20-17) – As you could guess from a team in Colorado, they hit it well and are inconsistent with their pitching. Same year in and year out.

13. (9) Arizona Diamondbacks (21-17) – One month ago I stated I didn’t know how long these guys could stay afloat. Yet they have remained an above average team. Kudos to them and the coaching staff.

14. (27) Pittsburgh Pirates (21-16) – Anchored by solid pitching, the Pirates have started the year strong. But unless their hitting improves a bit more, I don’t know if they can sustain this pace.

15. (18) Tampa Bay Rays (19-18) – Tampa Bay has gotten better since Longoria’s return. They have now won five in a row and are inching closer to the AL East lead.

16. (8) Kansas City Royals (18-16) – Unlike Tampa Bay, this team wins in low scoring games. That speaks highly of them in terms of pitching, but poorly in terms of offense.

17. (3) Oakland Athletics (19-20) – Oakland started hot but is falling away. They are the third highest scoring team however.

18. (22) Minnesota Twins (17-17) – The epitome of an average team.

19. (19) Philadelphia Phillies (18-21) – This team has the feel of the oldest team in baseball… because they basically are.

20. (23) Seattle Mariners (18-20) – I remember the days when Oakland was exciting… Randy Johnson, A-Rod, even Ichiro in his prime. Now they are one of the most boring teams in baseball.

21. (6) Los Angeles Dodgers (15-21) – Both of the LA teams have been disappointing. At least the Dodgers have won two games in a row.

22. (17) Chicago White Sox (15-20) – They can boast about much at this point in the season, but they are a game up on their crosstown rival… the Cubs.

23. (20) Chicago Cubs (15-22) – Rizzo got his big contract. That’s the most newsworthy thing about them.

24. (28) Milwaukee Brewers (15-20) – League worst 1-9 in their last ten. They were playing well before that.

25. (29) San Diego Padres (16-21) – The good news is that the have a winning record at home at 10-8.

26. (12) New York Mets (14-20) – If you live in New York, all your attention is on the Yankees now.

27. (21) Toronto Blue Jays (15-24) – So confused they their disappointing start to the year. They had real potential.

28. (24) Los Angeles Angels (14-23) – The most disappointing team in baseball. Is it bad to say that I’m happy about that?

29. (30) Miami Marlins (11-27) – They moved up a spot!

30. (26) Houston Astros (10-28) – Worst record in the Majors and by far the worst run differential (-81).

By: The Sports Guys