RIP Nick Ashford

Nick Ashford of the famous songwriting duo Ashford & Simpson was pronounced dead Monday 8/23/11 from complications of throat cancer. He was best known for writing Motown hits such as Ain't No Mountain High Enough" and "Reach Out And Touch Somebody's Hand" by Ross and "You're All I Need To Get By" by Gaye and Tammi Terrell.

Dawn Evans Battles On and Off the Court

Many of you may not even know who Dawn Evans is so let me just give you the run down on her. She is the starting point guard for James Madison University; Evan’s is 5-7 at 130 lbs. but plays much bigger. She is the school’s career record scoring leader, the single game scoring leader with her 42 points against Virginia. She was the CAA player of the year in the 2010-2011 year; she has one of the nation’s highest scoring averages at 25.3 points per game. There are so many other great things that she’s accomplished but the biggest thing she battles is not the other teams but a disease called Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis also known as FSGS. If you haven’t heard of this it is a disorder that attacks the kidney’s filtering system that causes scarring which could result in Nephrotic Syndrome, a condition that occurs when valuable protein in the blood leaks into the urine. In December Evans was diagnosed with this her kidneys were said to be functioning at 20% and at 15% a transplant would be needed. Many of you may know of this disease because of Alonzo Mourning and Sean Elliot both former NBA players suffered from this. It is said that Evans plays roughly at 75% of her former energy level but looking at a game you would never know. I have seen so many of JMU’s games this season and I never would have guessed that she was suffering from this disease this year because when she’s on the court she always is playing her hardest full of energy. She has easily become one of my favorite players because of her work ethic and her ability to lead her team but I admire her more now because of how she competes day in and day out. When she was diagnosed with this she could have just gave up and sat the rest of the season out and focused on herself but she decided to keep fighting and pursing her love for the game. Dawn Evans I respect and admire you keep doing your thing and good luck on your future endeavors.

Mike Bibby Bought Out

The Washington Wizards have agreed to buyout the contract of Mike Bibby. Before the trade deadline Mike Bibby was involved in a trade that sent Kirk Hinrich to the Atlanta Hawks. When I first heard of this trade I was a little shocked but then reviewing the trade I knew he was only in this trade to balance it out financially. Mike Bibbly does not fit in with what the Wizards are trying to do which is develop their youth to be the future of the franchise.
According to numerous sources the top suitors for Mike Bibby are the Miami Heat, Boston Celtics and the Portland Trailblazers. I have been hearing that Bibby would love to take his talents to South Beach.

Diana Taurasi speaks about drug allegations

Click on the link to see what Diana has to say about her drug allegations
http://www.wnba.com/video/wnba/2011/02/23/taurasiinterview110223wmv-1568867

"Trade Deadline Approaches"

As the deadline approaches the latest trade rumor is Memphis Grizzly Zach Randolph being traded to the Orlando Magic for Jason Richardson and Brandon Bass. If this in fact happens this would be good and bad for the Magic because they definitely need another inside presence to take some pressure of Dwight Howard but Jason Richardson has been playing well with the team. Also it seems as though Gilbert Arenas hasn't worked out for them so i don't know where the scoring will come from on the perimeter.

Is the NBA changing?

With the latest player (Carmelo Anthony) demanding to go the New York Knicks the NBA will have tough decisions in seasons coming. It seams like the majority of the top players want to play in these major markets it seems like the smaller markets will have it rough time trying to fill the seats and win games. With out the lack of a superstar will the smaller markets be able to compete on the court and in ticket sales? my answer is no they won't be able to compete selling tickets but on the court I think they will be fine. I think if you select a group of players that are willing to by in a good system and are hard-workers they will definitely be able to complete. Just look at the Philadelphia Sixers they don't have a "superstar" but they have solid young players that are bought into a good Doug Collins system. They will not be the best team on paper but they will show up and use their youth to try to out work you.
Honestly I don't think that the league should do anything about this yet because this isn't a major problem yet. I think that the players should be able to chose where they want to play, my only problem is when all the "superstars" are all going to the same team or all in the same conference. When this happens the league is less competitive as a whole.

"Breaking News" Derron Williams to the New Jersey Nets

The Utah Jazz have officially traded Derron Williams to the New Jersey Nets for Derrick Favors, Devin Harris and the 1st round draft pick in the 2011 & 2012 draft.

I think that this draft is good for the New Jersey Nets they get one of the best point guards in the league and they have a lot of young talent. This trade is definitely a step in the right direction given a few more years they could be a tough team to play.

Carmelo Arrives in New York

The Trade is final the New York Knicks have acquired Carmelo Anthony, Chauncey Billups, Shelden Williams, Anthony Carter, and Renaldo Balkman for Danilo Gallinari, Raymond Felton, Wilson Chandler, Timothy Mozgov, , the Knicks 2014 first-round draft pick, the Warriors' 2012 second-round pick, the Warriors' 2013 second-round pick and $3 million in cash.