Prime Time.

I would like to give a shout out to the Appalachian State women's basketball team who recently completed their season by winning the WBI championship (Women's Basketball Invitational.) After going a disappointing 9-22 last year, the lady Mountaineers bounced back with an impressive record of 23-12 this year. They were picked to finish 8th place in the SoCon, the App State team finished 2nd. With losing very little production and bringing in a solid recruiting class this team should just be even stronger next year.

The Kid Cudi concert was pretty sweet. It was my first ever concert and it certainly didn't disappoint. Probably around 5,000 people showed up in Miami's Millet Hall for the show, good stuff indeed.

Final four predictions: Butler over Michigan State. West Virginia over Duke. West Virginia winning it all. Ummm wait, that's what I want to happen. I don't know what's going to happen this year because this tournament is unpredictable.

Opening day is now only a couple days away. Baseball season is one of my favorite, I can't wait for it to finally get started. Like I mentioned before I've got a good feeling about this Cincinnati Reds team. If we stay healthy and we score some runs there's no reason for this team not to succeed.

Finally got some new tennis shoes. I'm most likely going to try them out tomorrow night after work...that's right, under the light tomorrow night. Prime time baby. The weather today was amazing, same is expected for tomorrow.

Glimpse of tomorrow night..

That is the Truth.

Miss You Bob.

Well Moeller's magical run in the state high school basketball tournament is over. They lost in the state finals saturday night. In the first half they simply couldn't catch a break and in the second half they just couldn't make a bucket. All in all it was a great season for my Moeller Crusaders.

There was a recent article in the Cincinnati Enquirer about Lance Stephenson staying next year. Well, according to my source, he will not be back. When the article was published, Lance had every intention of returning but an NBA scout recently told him he'll be taken in the first round. While I don't agree with this scout, it'll be interesting to see what 'Born Ready' does. Nothing is official but if I was a betting man, I'd put my money on him leaving. In my opinion this would be a dumb choice, we'll find out soon.

You know it's getting close to opening day when I start doing fantasy baseball drafts. The start of the season is one week away. With basketball winding down, spring quarter starting..I'm ready for some baseball. This year is the year for the Reds to have a .500 record and make the playoffs, trust me!

It was kind of bitter sweet but congrautlations to Bob Huggins and his West Virginia Mountaineers. They knocked off the 1 seeded Kentucky team last night. I will always be a Bob Huggins supporter, what happened to him here at UC was uncalled for. It's bitter sweet because there's no doubt in my mind times would be better as a UC bball fan if he was still here, oh well I guess. After going through a heart attack that nearly took his life away, a DUI, an undeserved firing, this guy has gone through a lot. He'll always be the face of UC basketball in my mind. Athletic players and legendary coaches made up for one heck of a game last night. Huggs is now 8-1 against John Callipari, pretty impressive. Bring home the championship Bob, you deserve it.

Going to my first ever concert Tuesday night...no mom I am not missing any classes. Kid Cudi is up in Miami so myself and three friends are making the road trip up, it should be a good time.

Miss you Bob..

That is the Truth.

Go Crusaders!

Ladies and gentlemen, last nights basketball game between Kansas State and Xavier was about as good as it gets. Neither team wanted to lose, Xavier hit some crucial shots, and Kansas State kept on fighting even with two of their best players fouled out. Double overtime games don't happen too often in the Sweet 16, first time in like 14 years or something. Crawford took over, I personally think he'd be smart to leave for the NBA draft. His stock isn't going to get any higher after this tournament, I'm sure all of the Xavier fans hope I'm wrong. For the first time in my life I'll give props to Xavier, they showed a lot of fight, especially from a mid major.

People questioned Kansas State's coach Frank Martin for fouling at the end regulation when they were up by three. Look, it was a horrible non call, the foul happened about two seconds earlier and they didn't call it. But since they called the foul when the guy was shooting the three, everyone thought it was a horrible strategy. Personally I believe it was a great strategy, just poor officiating. By the way, Frank Martin is a great coach, with many expressions that are absolutely hilarious to watch.

This tournament is all wrapped up for Kentucky. I said in the beginning of the season that Kentucky was going to win it all, I just wasn't entirely sure if they'd be able to knock of Kansas. Since Kansas is out, for sure think Kentucky will win it all. With that being said, the elite 8 matchup of Kentucky-West Virginia should be a thriller. Probably the two most athletic teams in the tournament going head to head. Two great, hall of fame coaches in John Callipari and Bob Huggins.

Went bowling last night, first time since Thanksgiving break. A little rusty, but I somehow managed to average a 196 over the three games we played. I can't wait for summer where bowling happens more frequently..thanks to the Madison special: All you can bowl for three hours, 9 bucks.

Heading up to the final 4 today, Moeller's basketball team is making another appearance. #9 Moeller takes on #5 Mentor. For the third consecutive game Moeller comes in as the underdog. This Moeller team has surprised a lot of people, including myself. Hopefully they can keep this run going and bring home state. GO CRUSADERS!

Kansas State's Frank Martin..

That is the Truth.

Epic Success.

Well I'm back from Minnesota.

We video logged some of the trip, there might be an appearance of one or two of the videos on here some day. Maybe the one of me dancing to Cupid Shuffle? Maybe not. Anyway, here is a little recap of the trip:

The trip was an epic success. Minnesota is a pretty cool city, the layout is perfect for their transit system they have. The train runs from one of the city to outside in suburbs, it was also easy to use which made it nice. The Metrodome where the Vikings currently play and where the Twins (use to play) was pretty cool, we kind of invited ourselves into the place. It was weird seeing the dome completely empty but it was neat to actually go inside.

One of the nights we were on our way to a pizza place and we were so lost that even a homeless person realized it. He came over to us and asked us if where we wanted to go, we told him and hoped he would just kind of go away...nope, he decided to walk us to the destination. When he said, lets go this way I have a shortcut, we got a little nervous. Everything turned out fine, he was actually a really nice guy, it was just a little sketchy.

We went to Target field, where the Twins will be playing baseball this year. It's a brand new, outdoor stadium. Even though we couldn't get inside, it looked beautiful from the outside. They had a really nice pro shop, obliviously brand new with a lot of cool gear..still couldn't bring myself to buy any Minnesota Twins apparel.

Mall of America was absolutely ridiculous. We spent four hours in there and probably didn't even see half of the stores. 4 stories of stores, it's like Kenwood Mall times six or seven..you have to see it to believe it.

I went to my first ever NBA game, Raptors vs. Timberwolves. While it wasn't necessarily a marquee matchup in most eyes, it was still very enjoyable for our group. Since we really didn't have a preference of who won, we were rooting for both teams; so yes...our team won! The atmosphere was completely different than any basketball game I've ever been to before. I'm not saying that was a bad thing, it was actually great, just different.

We were there two hours prior to tip-off to get the full experience. About an hour before the game started, someone knocked over a table full of computers which got the attention of all the security officer and ushers. That was a perfect diversion for me to sneak down to the first row, and on to the court while the players were talking and warming up. I sat down on the bench, a couple seats over were Johnny Flynn and Demar DeRozan talking away...pretty cool if you ask me.

We're doing a similar thing next year, actually pretty much the exact same, just different city. Early considerations for next year are Memphis and Charlotte, we'll see. what happens.

Minnesota..

That is the Truth.

Spring Break:

Well my bracket was pretty good until today, thank you Villanova. Now that my bracket is messed up I'll just be rooting for Syracuse and upsets.

Went to the Moeller-Lasalle high school basketball game Friday night...EPIC! Moeller down two with four seconds left at the free throw line. Junior Charlie Byers stepped up and made two free throws, clutch. Moeller's defense took over in overtime. Great atmosphere, great game..on to state next weekend! Final 4 baby!

It's officially spring break! Leaving for Minnesota tomorrow. 3 friends and I are making the road trip up to Minneapolis to attend my first ever NBA game. You might wonder why Minnesota? Every year my friends have attended an NBA game, this year I am joining. Our goal is to attend an NBA game in every city that has a team. The tickets were cheap and we found a great on the hotel thanks to my mother. I'm excited, and so are they. Monday night 7:30, Minnesota Timber wolves vs Toronto Raptors.

Chris Bosh of the Toronto Raptors..

That is the Truth.

Impressive.

Exam week is over, aaaaaaaaamen!

Went to my first ever NIT game tonight, I was pleasantly surprised. Crowd was pathetic, understandable, I guess? Anyway, #2 seed UC took on the #7 seed Weber State. They were pretty much a one man team, but man that one guy was good. We won by like 15ish, but the highlight (s) of the night came from junior Darnell Wilks. One emphatic block along with two thunderous dunks made the night for sure. All three plays were ridiculous, just look for them on sportscenter.

Aroldis Chapman pitched today, no way he could continue his dominance, right? Wrong. 3 innings pitched, 1 hit (home-run) 1 walk, 5 K's. Impressive. The Reds are going to have a hard time not giving him the 5th spot in the rotation. He deserves the shot.

Congrats to my Moeller (#3) Crusaders! Danggg! Down 16 with two minutes left in third quarter to a higher seeded Princeton (#2) team. Came back an won by 3! Epic comeback, wow, and thrilling are some reviews I've heard from the game. They move on to the regional finals where they take on the #1 seed LaSalle Lancers. GO BIG MOE!

Well ladies and gentlemen...March Madness officially begins tomorrow. I've filled out too many brackets, none are really the same but here are some of my core predictions...Kansas, Syracuse, Kentucky, Villanova. I think Georgetown will beat OSU in the sweet 16. Texas A & M could make a run and beat Duke, but they could also lose first round. Anything can happen, it's why they call it March Madness. I think Kansas will take on Kentucky in the championship game, I'll go with my player of the year John Wall and take the Wildcats in this one. Should be an interesting tournament for sure...gotta love it!

That is the Truth.

Kept Fighting.

I still can't believe it. Did that shot really go in thursday night? Did he Butler really bank it in? That shot just summed up UC's season, couldn't catch a break all year. Whether it was not getting a foul call against Gonzaga, not hitting the open shots again (insert any loss here)...UC basketball didn't catch a break all season long. UC's season can also be summed up by what I saw on saturday night.

With that being said, you better believe I will be at every home NIT game for the Bearcats, they deserve our support. They showed glimpses of greatness during the Big East Tournament, I have not seen that type of passion from a UC basketball team in a long time. Just watched the draw of the NIT tournament, possible second round matchup against Dayton, that'd be exciting!

I guess I owe an apology to Mick Cronin. I hate admitting I'm wrong but I certainly was when it comes to him. I still believe that next season there's no excuses for UC, tournament or bust. It would have been real easy for this team to quit, go into the tournament and lose first or second round. This team kept fighting and never gave up only to lose on a shot that you can't do anything about. Mick..I'm sorry, but please do better next year. Thanks.

Today was selection sunday, the day that use to be one of my personal favorites of the year. While I still enjoy it, there's just a lack of interest from me this year, probably because I know we should be playing, oh well. Quick bracket thoughts: Florida didn't deserve to be in, especially at a 10 seed, MISS St got screwed, Kansas should have a nice easy road to the final four, not sure about the other 1 seeds. I'll update my blog again before the tournament begins giving you my final predictions.

March Madness is here...

This gives me the chills.

That is the Truth.

Passion.

Worked last night, some really smart person came in and asked me, "Do you sell pizza here?" I took a quick look behind me to prevent myself from laughing. It amazes me how intelligent some people are. No lies...he was wearing Saint X Tennis shorts. Dumbo.

Yesterday was great weather, again. Walking to class I noticed the UC pro day going on. This is where potential NFL prospects work out for NFL scouts, representatives from 26 teams were there. Suppose to be closed to the public, but you can't really close down Nippert, it's in the middle of campus. It was cool seeing Tony Pike and Mardy Gilyard on the field together again, might be the last time unless they're drafted by the same team. Hundreds of people stood around and watched, with the highlight of the day being Mardy's acrobatic catch that earned an applause from the 'crowd.'

How about that UC basketball game last night? Dang. UC played hard for 40 minutes, they never gave up despite being down 12 against the Louisville Cardinals. It would have been easy to give up after getting demolished in the first half, but these Bearcats didn't. It's hard to point out an individual player who won us the game, it truly was a total team effort. There was one possession that really stood out in my mind in the second half. Louisville took a three and there was a scramble for the rebound. Four Bearcats dove for the ball, we're on the floor, including big man Yancy Gates. This team played with a lot of passion last night, something we haven't much of all year.

The 28 offensive rebounds were pretty clutch. UC before this year was 0-3 in the Big East Tournament, rattling off two wins in a row is impressive, can we make it three tonight against West Virginia? I think yes. It'll be tough considering this will be our third game in three days, compared to West Virginia's first game since last saturday, not mention they're the #6 team in the country. Bobby Huggins would have been proud of the way UC played last night, defense and rebounding is what he prided himself on. It'd be awesome to knock his team out of this tournament tonight and keep our hopes alive. One game season from here on out.

Gotta love this picture..

That is the Truth.

Ready For Baseball.

Currently watching the first round of the Big East Tournament, UC-Rutgers. I told myself I wasn't going to get excited or frustrated this game...we'll see how long this lasts.

Went to the rec center today to play some basketball. Went 4-0 against pretty good competition, another solid day in the gym.

Aroldis Chapman made his spring training debut for the Cincinnati Reds yesterday. 2 innings, 1 hit, 1 walk, 3 strikeouts. Hit 100 MPH three times, change-up clocking in at 80...nasty stuff. Reading on his performance I found a couple thing I would like to share:

"The ball hitting Ramon Hernandez's glove sounded like a rife shot. The kid is all elbows and knees. It's almost as if the ball is halfway to the plate before it even leaves his hand, a la Randy Johnson."

"Two batters later Chapman struck out Rick Ankiel on a slider that Ankiel missed by so much he had to be rebooked on a later flight. Watching Ankiel trying to hit Chapman was somewhere between comedy and tragedy; you got the sense that if Ankiel faced Chapman 100 times, he would strike out 100 times."

Anyone else ready for baseball?

Aroldis Chapman..

That is the Truth.

For A Sunday.

In a way I kind of hope UC doesn't make the NIT. After Saturday's performance against Georgetown, this team doesn't deserve any type of post season tournament. They played like they were ready for the season to be over, no one looked motivated except Lance Stephenson. It'll be an interesting off-season for UC basketball, my sources are telling me that at least one current player will transfer out, and we should be receiving a transfer too.

Saturday night I finally got to see a fundamentally sound, well coached basketball play team in the Shoemaker center. Checked out Moeller’s basketball team for the first time this year, they took on the Aiken who knocked them out of the playoffs last year. Moeller looked really good, better than what I had expected. It was pretty cool, during warm-ups I noticed Bob Huggins walking right in front of me. He was there recruiting a kid on Aiken, Aaron Thomas. I miss Bob Huggins, a lot.

After the game, we all went to go see the new movie Brooklyn’s Finest. Wow, very disappointing. I had great expectations for this movie thanks to the previews. It takes a lot for me to hate a movie, I hated this one. Very upsetting, but oh well.

On this beautiful day I went to the rec center to play some basketball. On my team was UC walk-on Eddie Tyree, I guess since he never gets in he goes down to the rec to get some work in. We went 2-0 together, I was 4-1 on the day. Resting up for a bit then I’m heading outside to play tennis for the first time since…well, a long time. Such a nice day, can’t pass up the opportunity to hit the tennis courts. This weather gets me even more excited for baseball season.

Nuggets are on TV tonight against the Portland Trail Blazers. It always seems like this game is a good once, Carmelo vs. Brandon Roy, great match-up. This has been a solid day and will continue to be one too..not bad for a Sunday.

Carmelo Anthony and Brandon Roy..

That is the Truth

Quick Minute.

Was up pretty late last night working on homework, typing an english paper. Had to get up at 8 (earliest all quarter) to finish it before 1230 class today. Just now finished so I thought I'd blog for a 'quick minute.'

My thoughts and prayers are with my neighbor and friend Danny Castellini. Went to the hospital about two weeks and was diagnosed with Vertigo. Recently went to a specialist and they determined it was not Vertigo and they're now running a series of tests to determine what it is, apparently that's not a good sign. You won't meet a nicer person than Danny, get well soon man.

Microeconomics class was...cancelled...yesterday. Hooped it up with new shoes again. Won both games of '21' we played and won both games of five on five. That's 7-0 with the new shoes. I usually don't play during the day but yesterday I had to with working waiting for me at night. It's a different type of play during the day, not as competitive. Still fun, but it's certainly better playing at night time..better competition.

While walking to the rec center, noticed the football team working out at Nippert. Intense workouts. Gotta get ready for that 3peat!

First Cincinnati Reds intrasquad scrimmage today with the first spring training game being tomorrow. With the Cincinnati Bearcats basketball season essentially being over, I'm ready for the Reds to take the field. Opening day is about a month away, can't wait.

Great American Ball Park...

That is the Truth.

March Madness.

My apologies, I know you have all been anxiously awaiting another blog entry but I simply have not had time lately. Been pretty busy with school and work, please forgive me.

Cincinnati Reds tickets came in the mail. A couple friends and I purchased the 10-game Power Pack which includes tickets to opening day. First spring training game is four days away, getting really excited.

Over the weekend I got some new basketball shoes! 'Hyperdunk Lows.' These Nike's are red, black and white as you may have guessed. It's the first time I have ever had low cut basketball shows and I wasn't really sure how I'd like them until I played with them. I love them, played really well, maybe the best ever..must be the shoes right?

Tough loss for UC against West Virginia. Don't really know what else to say about this team that hasn't been said. All I can hope for now is that they go out fighting, make it respectable the last couple games left of this unsatisfying season. Senior night tomorrow night against # 9 Villanova. It's # 5 Deonta Vaughn and #42 Steve Toyloy's last home game. They're selling the upper level tickets for $5.42, pretty cool if you ask me. But at the same time I think it's pretty sad that we have to sell five dollar tickets for fans to come to the games, times have certainly changed in the UC basketball program.

Gosh dangit Sydney Crosby! UGH! The United States hockey team put together one heck of a run in the Olympics but fell just short. Remarkable gold medal game against Canada that went into overtime thanks to a desperation goal by the United States with 24 seconds left in regulation. When USA tied it up after pretty much everyone thought it was over, Calhoun Hall went NUTS! Watched every second, most excited/nerve-racking sporting event I've watched in a long time and I don't even like hockey. Hats off to the USA hockey team for making it close and exciting which not many thought it would be. It's disappointing the Olympics are over but March Madness is quickly approaching; one of the best times of the year.

Pictures of the new shoes..

That is the Truth.