2016 NBA Finals: With Great Failure, Comes Success

The Cavs return home, looking like champions should!

“CLEVELANNNDDDD, THIS IS FOR YOUUUUUU,” yells LeBron James as the emotion of accomplishing his main goal for returning to his home team hit him. A big sigh of relief was let out as the horn sounded in Oracle Arena. James had a vision in which he put his time and efforts into bringing it to reality. He knew he had to be patient but as an impatient person he had to deal with the shortcomings before the success. one of these mishaps came a year earlier against the ex-world champions the Golden State Warriors. Too bad Golden States success didn’t come at the right time.

Speaking of the Warriors, Steph Curry is the unanimous MVP,  they started the season 24-0 with an Assistant Coach at the helm and became the first team to win 73 games in the history of the NBA. This speaks of nothing but greatness. That success doesn’t feel to good after the horrible 4^th quarter performance by the best shooting backcourt.

The Splash Brothers went 12 for 36 from the field. Draymond Green who was one assist away from a triple double was left out to dry. To me the season doesn’t have the same magnitude as if they won championship. The unanimous MVP didn’t come to play this series; we need to start questioning his place as a top point guard in the league.

On the opposite end of the spectrum, Kyrie Irving (to me) has put himself in the conversation for the best point guard spot. He dominated Curry for almost the entire series. Averaging 27.1 points per game, he consistently made the shots that Cleveland needed to stay ahead or to keep it competitive. The journey for him has been overshadowed by the drought that has been broken. Just one year ago he watched his team fight hard but lose in game 6 from his hospital bed.

To fight through injury and the media discussing your game, was all worth the game winning three. Irving knows he has to bring it for some time to come. As he approach Curry after the game he says “I will be seeing a lot of you over the next couple of years.” As great as Kyrie was, the MVP was awarded to the mastermind, team leader, businessman, The King; LeBron James.

“What More Can I Sayyyyyyy,” in the honor of the great Jay-Z. On the real, its nothing we can say as admirers, onlookers, and analyzers of the game of Basketball when it comes to LeBron. He had a blueprint, he was abele to draw up after being in Miami for 4 years. He absorbed what it took to become a champion. He would use this scheme to bring a championship to a city that hasn’t seen one since 1964.

King James thoughts:

“Throughout my 13-year career, I've done nothing but be true to the game, give everything I've got to the game, put my heart, my blood, sweat, tears into the game, and people still want to doubt what I'm capable of doing,” James said. “So that was a little icing on the cake for myself to just let me know that everything I've done, it results in this. They say hard work pays off, and that's what happened tonight.”

Back to back 41 point games, double doubles in both games. Triple double in game 7. This might have been the greatness performance seen in a NBA Finals series. The play to sum up the series and what it had become was the block that LeBron had on Iguodala to set up Kyrie Irving. "Iguodala is a bad m-----f-----," James snapped. "I had to go chase it down,” James tells ESPN. LeBron had the “Killer” instinct that a Kobe or Jordan would have in the closing moments of a Game 7. His spot amongst the greats has been cemented. Now we have to wait and see where his career finishes.

We may have the next great Rivalry on our hands. Golden State and Cleveland genuinely dislike each other. It has the star power of a Bird vs. Magic and the physicality of a Jordan vs. Detroit Pistons. I predict that we have a trilogy to this series to see who breaks the tie. Overall, I was satisfied with the series and the outcome. The Storybook ending has finally happened for LeBron.

Miami Hurricanes Recruiting Board 2017

*Rankings are not solely on talent level but rather a depiction of importance for the program, potential on the field, depth of the team, and how hard they are being recruited.

5 ⭐️ Impact player for us
4 ⭐️ Potential Starter
3 🌟Potential Starter/ Contributor
↗️ Becoming Priority
↙️ Moving Down the board

1. WR Jerry Jeudy  5⭐️
2. QB N'Kosi Perry 4 ⭐️ (Miami)
3. CB Trajan Bandy 4⭐️ ↗️
4. RB Anthony McFarland 5⭐️
5. OL Navaughn Donaldson 5 ⭐️(Miami)
6. WR Trevon Grimes 5⭐️
7. ATH DeeJay Dallas 4⭐️(Miami)
8. CB Marco Wilson 4 ⭐️
9. ATH Chris Henderson 4⭐️(Miami
10. CB Latavious Brini 3 ⭐️
11. OL Kadeem Telfort 4⭐️(UF)
12. DE Jordan Wright 4⭐️
13. RB Stephen Carr 5 ⭐️(USC)
14. DT Jon Ford 3 ⭐️
15. WR Kevaughn Dingle 3⭐️(Miami)
16. S Amari Carter 4⭐️
17. OL Nick Brahms 4 ⭐️
18. OL Kai-Leon Herbert 4⭐️
19. S Brian Edwards 3⭐️ ↗️
20. CB Shawn Davis 4 ⭐️
21. QB Cade Weldon 3⭐️(Miami)
22. RB Robert Burns 4⭐️(Miami)
23. S Daniel Wright 4⭐️
24. LB Bradley Jennings 3⭐️(FSU)↗️
25. S Cyrus Fagan  4 ⭐️ (FSU)
26. OL Zack Dykstra 3⭐️
27. WR Evidence Njoku 3⭐️
28. DE D.J Johnson 4 ⭐️↗️
29. RB Darren Felix 3⭐️
30. LB Deandre Wilder 3⭐️
31. OL Marcus Minor 4⭐️↗️
32. DT Kane Taylor 3⭐️
33. LB Waynmon Steed 3⭐️(Miami)
34. S Billy Gibson 3⭐️(Miami)
35. WR Rodney Scott 3⭐️(Miami)

Gender Equality of the Future

By: Jimbo Brown

            I usually have an intro for you guys but today I had to get straight to the point. Over the weekend in the Alaska, a transgender teen was able to compete in the state championship track meet against the girls. Nattaphon Wangyot (have fun pronouncing that) who was born male and now identifies as a female was allowed to place 5^th in the 100m and 3^rd in the 200m dashes. The fact he didn’t dominate these races is the most disturbing. Back to the real problem is gender equality.

“I’m glad that this person is comfortable with who they are and they’re able to be happy in who they are, but I don’t think it’s competitively completely 100 percent fair,” Hutchison High School senior Saskia Harrison told a local CBS affiliate.

Gender equality has been a battle for our country since its birth in the yester years. Women are now seeing the success of their efforts throughout the history of sports. The battle is far from over. Over the years, we have added a new gender into the equation of life. The Transgendered. I have no problems with anyone who feels the need to change their gender. I believe one solution with solve this problem. For sports and in life we have to treat them as separate genders.

You will have Transgendered males and females. Requiring them to be recognized on official documents, exclusive restrooms and separate teams in sports. This will consider them independent and have the privacy of any male or female would have. This will keep the competitive advantages equal. Even though you may have the make-up of a male/female you have may have took hormones and PEDs given you another advantage that male/female get punished for.

The US government has to change their traditional ways of thinking and move into this new world we live in. The world has changed and if our mindset doesn’t change we will be doomed in the future. 

Muhammad Ali: Great Man, Even Greater Cause

Where ever you are right now, sit back and close your eyes. I want you to think of a hobby or talent you are very good at. You are professional at doing whatever that hobby/talent is and you’re the best at what you do. As a human you evolve and find a religion that prohibits you from fighting in a controversial foreign war. Your government strips away all your accolades and imprisons you. Now imagine overcoming all odds and returning to being the GOAT of your industry. Wouldn’t you be a cocky/confident person when interviewed by the media about your life’s trials and tribulations?  Now think of a sports hero, who resembles this scenario. You guessed it, Muhammad Ali.

Muhammad Ali, one of the greatest athletes to grace this earth with his self-awareness, charisma, hard work and dedication. Growing up in the era when boxing was on the decline, I only knew of Ali as being a great boxer. After searching YouTube for videos about Ali, I was enlightened to know he was much more impactful after his fall from the top. He became more self-conscious and transformed into a figure that his people can aspire to emulate. He was quoted saying "A man who views the world the same at 50 as he did at 20 has wasted 30 years of his life.” Everyone should grow and gain new perspectives throughout life; this will keep you from becoming stagnated. During his interviews he spoke about life, religion and racism.

Ali never was the type of person to hold his tongue on topics he may have the unpopular opinion about.  As we all know he followed the teachings of Elijah Muhammad and the Nation of Islam. In those times it was referred to as the black mans religion.  He became a minister of the Nation that turned him into a more polished man. Ali believed his journey of life was bigger than him; he went through situations to better his life and the lives of black Americans.

I have gained a great amount of appreciation for Muhammad Ali. His death caused me to learn more about him besides the athletic accomplishments he achieved. He showed me that you could be confident in your greatness especially if you prepare enough to have great results. Most people felt he was a cocky asshole that hated all whites. In my eyes, the Nation taught him the truth behind racism using the reality for black Americans as the examples to justify it.

Ali speaks: "Impossible is just a big word thrown around by small men who find it easier to live in the world they've been given than to explore the power they have to change it. Impossible is not a fact. It's an opinion. Impossible is not a declaration. It's a dare. Impossible is potential. Impossible is temporary. Impossible is nothing."

Muhammad Ali has laid the foundation for athletes of all racists throughout the world. You can be a great professional athlete while following your ambitions.  He was able to hold intelligent conversations with the media, while voicing his beliefs whether he offended people or not. He stood behind his beliefs and the will to better the lives of generations to come.

Deeper Than Sports!

Athletes have become more than just players on the field or court. We grew up wanting to shoot, catch, and run like them for years, now we can even dream to emulate them off the playing field. Athletes are proving themselves to be more human than ever pushing for more success just as do we. Aside from the die-hard dedication given to their own devoted sport they are making plays in the board rooms.

Once I saw Serena Williams “twerking” in Beyonce’s new anthem video “Sorry”. I knew there was nothing she couldn’t do. Seriously, we are coming to see more and more athletes venturing into other avenues and we’re here for it! Of course a feature in a video has been done this not her only endeavor.  Williams has been serious about branding herself. Delving in fashion she has her own clothing line and her collections have been seen at critically acclaimed fashion shows.  She is part owner of the Miami Dolphins and has done voice overs and appearances on multiple television shows. All while dominating the tennis court. See any signs of Serena Williams slowing up? …. 

Boy BYE!

Serena is not the only athlete that we know holding it down on and off the court. Many athletes are using their initial sports recognition to take them down other paths.

 I asked Siri how many sources of income the average millionaire had and dozens of articles read "seven or more". I think some of these athletes asked Siri the same question and got the memo. Endorsements are nothing new to the sports world but they are not relying on those alone.

Sports do not last forever and though the case may be true for former Laker Kobe Bryant, he’s not done working. It is said that he will be trademarking the name “Black Mamba” and has founded Kobe Studios. He intends to bring the story of others’ to life through an assortment of media outlets. 

Stories of athletes going further and pushing the limits are important because they are idolized by our youth. Kids want to be like Lebron or Curry more than they do FAMU graduate and Microsoft Chairmen, John Thompson. 

Having any of those individuals as an idol is great but letting the youth know not to set limitations on themselves is the ultimate lesson and best example they could give. 

Lets talk about athletes doing more than just their first job and show the world brains and bronze can be the perfect recipe. The boundaries to our creativity and passions can be endless so why limit ourselves? Athletes have shown us how perfecting our craft can take us to higher places but once your there the climb does not end. We have to strive to be better and allow ourselves the opportunity to manifest multiple opportunities and showcase all of the many talents we possess. Challenge yourself to be more than just enough. I'm more than a striving college student. What are you more than?  

Stepping into 88 Blessings Recap

The love mothers have for their child is indescribable by words. No matter the circumstances their family is in you can count on the mother to find a way to make it happen. Over the weekend Erica Wilson held the inaugural event of her 88Blessings foundation that’s geared towards helping single moms.  Ms. Wilson is the mother of Jacksonville Jaguars newly re-signed wide receiver Allen Hurns. She is a single mom that pushed her son to follow his dreams and she’ll take care of the things he couldn’t control.

A portion of the event dedicated to honor Hurns resigning to a new 4-year/40 million dollar deal. The amount of the contract hasn’t changed the person Hurns has been his entire life. He is humbled and appreciative of the deal. “Its only the beginning” Hurns utters as fans congratulate him on the success. Special guest Drew Rosenhaus (Allen’s Agent) gave a few remarks on Erica and Hurns relationship, “I never seen a mother/son relationship like this; I wish me and my daughter grow to have a relationship like there.” The unconditional love between the two is what drove Hurns to work hard to gain this substantial amount in the contract.

An silent auction was held to raise money for the foundation. Thousands of dollars was raised for the foundation to kick-off their charitable duties. 

It was a marvelous event to honor 88 single mothers throughout the state of Florida. The mothers were showered with gifts and recognition of their hard work and dedication to their respective families. Jacksonville native and American Idol contestant Tyanna Jones added a stellar performance of Fantasia’s Lose To Win song. Her voice led many of the audience members to become emotional with tears of joy. The song empathizes what single mothers go through to make sure their family have the essentials of everyday life.

2016 NBA Finals Preview

Cleveland versus Golden State. LeBron versus Steph. In the words of Jeezy, “once again it’s on.” Last year, LeBron carried the shorthanded Cavs to 6 games while averaging 35.8 points, 13.3 rebounds & 8.8 assists per game. Despite that grand effort, a shoulder injury in the 1^st round suffered by Kevin Love and a fracture to Kyrie Irving’s kneecap in game 1 of the Finals prevented the Cavs from being on the winning side holding up the Larry O’Brien trophy. Few people remember but the Warriors found themselves down 2-1 in the series after winning game 1 in overtime, losing game 2 in overtime by 2 points & losing game 3 by 5. Starting with game 4, head coach Steve Kerr made a lineup change, inserting Andre Iguodala into the starting lineup & moving Draymond Green to the center position.  Those moves effectively flipped the momentum toward Golden State as they went on to win the next two games by double digits and closed out game 6 on the road. Steph Curry averaged 26 points a game, Iggy was named Finals MVP and Golden State won their first NBA title in 40 years.

            Fast forward one year and these two teams are set for a rematch starting tomorrow night. For Cleveland fans that wanted to see their team back in the Finals and others that doubted the legitimacy of the Warrior’s win because of the injuries Cleveland suffered, they got what they wanted. Between a locked & loaded, and most importantly, healthy Cavs team that have been shooting lights out so far in the playoffs and a Warriors team fresh off an amazing comeback against the Thunder, I’m expecting a long & exciting series without the excuses of last year. As both teams return pretty much the same lineups from last year, the only major difference in this series is Tyronn Lue, who was hired in January after the firing of David Blatt, undeserved or not.

Road to the Finals

The Warriors started off the regular season with 24 straight wins before losing their first game in December against Milwaukee after a double-overtime bout against Boston the night before. 1996 Chicago Bulls & Michael Jordan comparisons aside, they went on to break their record for most wins in a season and finished with a 73-9 record. Golden State then beat Houston 4 games to 1 in the 1^st round, got past Portland 4 games to 1, and came back from down 1-3 to defeat Oklahoma City.

            Cleveland started 30-11 before David Blatt got fired. Coach Lue kept the momentum going as they finished 57-25 with the #1 seed. The Cavaliers are arguably the hottest team in the playoffs after sweeping Detroit & Atlanta in the first two rounds while finishing Toronto in 6 games in the conference semifinals. They found their stroke from the 3 point line and rode it all the way to the Finals.

             

The Warriors took both regular season matchups; a low scoring 89-83 Christmas day game and 132-98 blowout on January 18. Their defense in that game was put under a microscope & exposed, blamed on a combination of bad effort, bad communication & poor positioning, particularly from Love & Irving. But as everybody knows, the regular season and the playoffs are two completely different animals.

Matchups

          The Cavaliers should come in with the same starting lineup that got them here; Kyrie & J.R. in the backcourt with Bron, Love & Thompson in the frontcourt. The Warriors will have snipers Steph & Klay, with Bogut, Green & Barnes or Iggy on the backend. Based on last year’s results, it might be smarter for Iggy to start. Both teams are evenly matched with secret weapons on the bench. I know it seems obvious, but this series will simply come down to which team is shooting better. We’ve seen those rare occasions where Golden State just couldn’t get the ball in from the 3-point line and that was the case in the majority of their losses this season. Same goes for the Cavs as they turn into a low-effort, stale, predictable, 3-point jacking team when they can’t figure things out on offense. So it all comes down to who can score consistently, from the paint & out on the perimeter. Another key factor is defense, specifically Kyrie & J.R. on the perimeter against Steph & Klay, and Kevin Love against Draymond Green. Kyrie is known for his poor footwork (not being able to stay in front of his defender) & bad play against the pick & roll while J.R. doesn’t put forth the effort you would like. Love on the other hand has to work on getting to the right spots on the court to properly defend on & off the ball but he has never been known as a defensive specialist.

I don’t think anybody’s expecting the Cavs to hold Steph to 17 points or the Warriors to hold Bron to 15. The key for Cleveland is to limit the 3’s from Steph & Klay & clog up the passing lanes that will lead to turnovers and easy fast break points. Golden State, on the other hand, has to get big in the paint defensively and on the glass. They need to force Bron & Kyrie out of driving into the paint for easy layups & consistently make them settle for jump shots, while also finishing defensive stands with rebounds, something they did a poor job of doing against the Thunder. Weapons off the bench for Golden State include Marreese Speights who seems to always come through with a clutch 3, and Shaun Livingston. Channing Frye, Iman Shumpert & Matthew Dellavedova should be key contributors in this series for Cleveland. We haven’t seen Delly much in the playoffs but it will be interesting to see if he can earn extra playing time with his impressive defense on Steph in last year’s Finals.

Remember, Klay was shooting less than spectacular and  we didn't even get MVP Steph for a majority of the Finals last year. What won it for them was Iggy rotating into the starting lineup, Draymond Green’s all-around game on both ends of the court, and role players that were able to step it up when Steph & Klay were in a slump. Cleveland would be smart to learn from past losses & realize that they cannot depend on the big 3 to carry them for the whole series. All in all, I predict the Golden State Warriors to beat the Cavaliers in 7 games for their second straight championship.