GSP Pays For Own Steroid Test

It's hard to believe that I ever hated GSP. In my defense, it was an opinion reached solely as a result of his rivalry with my favorite fighter of all time, Matt Hughes. It takes a lot to admit you were wrong about something, so LAY OFF ME! The important thing is that I love him now. And his most recent news headline is precisely why.

We are currently living in a time where every athletic accomplishment is immediately met with speculation of potential steroid use. It's a sad reality, but it's a reality nonetheless. Even the great George St. Pierre couldn't escape this unavoidable fate. Granted, the rumors began when bitter rival Nick Diaz wove it into a series of insults that he hurled at the long time champion prior to their UFC 167 matchup. But the allegations bothered GSP all the same.

So what? I'm sure Alex Rodriguez and Lance Armstrong weren't thrilled with their accusations either, so why is GSP's opinion newsworthy. The answer is found in his response to the attack. Rather than vehemently yelling "DID NOT" every time the subject was broached like his not-so-successful counterparts, he proclaimed that he would prove his innocence. With an upcoming title defense against Johny Hendricks, GSP is living up to his promise by voluntarily submitting himself to a VADA drug test, one that George believes is "the best anti-doping agency in the world." With challenger Johny Hendricks immediately agreeing to the testing as well, it seems as if we will see our proof soon enough.

And as if this wasn't enough, George is paying for the whole thing himself! He describes the act as his duty as champion. MMAFighting.com spoke to George, who stated "I'm ready to pay [for our testing] myself, because I'm the champion. All from my purse, I paid for the tests because I'm the champion. That's why I'm ready, I'm ready to do it. That's a point I want to make."

George St. Pierre; a true champion in every sense of the word.

Rousey Eyeing Retirement

According to reports from MMA Junkie, womens fighting pioneer and undefeated bantamweight champion Ronda Rousey is eyeballing retirement. Let's not get crazy just yet. The stand-out UFC star is setting a projected target of two more years in the cage before she hangs up her gloves. She has only fought in the UFC one time, making quick work of Liz Carmouche via 1st round submission. (Guess what submission she used.) With her next fight against long time rival, Miesha Tate, Rousey promises that she will remain focused on her UFC career until that inevitable day of departure arrives.

So why now (or in two years)? Why leave in the infancy of her UFC career? The first reason is safety. "I am the best fucking fighter in the world, and I truly believe that, but you're still rolling the dice no matter who you are, so I do have to kind of set up an exit strategy." The second reason hinges upon opportunity cost. Sure, Ronda is quickly becoming one of the most famous and successful fighters in the history of the sport. But to be honest, there is a certain ceiling that comes with MMA, while alternate outlets could very well provide greater, more lasting opportunities. One such outlet is the movie business. With plans to play a role in The Expendables 3 as well as a rumored role in Fast and Furious 7, cinema seems to be the next venue that Rousey will take by storm.

Ronda is a winner; plain and simple. Whether she's breaking people's arms in the Octagon or doing it on the big screen, she is sure to kick ass either way. Her true impact on the world of MMA will be sorted out in hindsight, many years from now. But it seems inevitable that her footprint on the sport will be praised for years to come. So if she wants to make a decision that betters her life, who are we, as fans, to stand in her way. Let's just enjoy the time she has left and do our best to appreciate the greatness that she possesses. Thank you Ronda. #BeatMiesha.

Brief Bellator Briefing

Okay so I have a bunch of cool MMA stories to share with you guys, but I'm kind of short on time. So I'm just going to throw it all in one post. Here goes:

• Michael Chandler defends his Bellator lightweight title in spectacular fashion with a lightning fast knock out against a very talented David Rickels. Is it bad that I want Bellator to go bankrupt in order to get this guy in the UFC?

Bellator MMA

• Bellator throws the entire MMA world for a loop when they tease the rumored matchup between Quinton 'Rampage' Jackson and Roy Jones Junior, but instead announce that Rampage will make his Bellator debut against fellow former UFC light heavyweight champion, Tito Ortiz. Wait what? I knew Tito was considering a comeback but I just assumed he meant a comeback to the UFC. I don't know if this is a direct screw you to Dana White or just an honest attempt to put together a good fight but I'm totally drinking the Kool-Aid. I guess I'm attending at least one of Bellator's Pay-Per-View events. Well done. Video below.

 

 

• So GSP vaguely hinted at an upcoming super fight. Yeah yeah yeah, we're all kind of sick of this super fight talk, are we not? However with Silva out of the picture (at least for now), it seems like the opponent he was alluding to was Benson Henderson, right? Hmmm interesting. Props to Ariel Helwani for ALMOST getting it out of him.

 



One Step Closer To A Career Grand Slam

I'd have to go back and check to be sure, however I'm pretty sure I've never talked about golf on this blog. Well, after a truly inspiring British Open performance by Phil Mickelson this past weekend, I can no longer resist. Phil may very well be the most likable golfer in the world; the anti-Tiger, if you will. While I don't follow the sport religiously, I have always kept tabs on the various happenings, and I always root for family-man Phil to take home the title. Those of you who know me, know that my favorite golfer is J. Fury (nickname pending) and I'm obviously always cheering for him, but with the billions he must be making from his 5-hour energy sponsorship, it's hard not to pull for some of the poorer folk every now and then.

Anyway, back to Phil. His one Achilles' heel has always been his 'inability' to win an Open Championship, i.e. the U.S. Open and the British Open. After one of the most impressive Sundays in recent memory, Phil has finally silenced the critics, or at least half of them, as he moves one step closer to the heralded career grand slam. Just the ever-elusive U.S. Open stands looming in the distance now. If you missed the final shot yesterday, check it out below. It's pretty riveting.

Everything from the caddy getting emotional, to the burst of applause, to the understated yet perfectly appropriate hands-in-the-air celebration, this was a great moment. This is the stuff legends are made off. Pure class. Jump to the 1:50 mark to skip right to the replay of the shot.

UFC 162 Breakdown

Words cannot describe how excited I am for UFC 162. Anytime you have a card with Anderson Silva on it, you are pretty much garenteed to get a fascinating show. Whether you see an explosive finish like the front kick against Vitor Belfort or a lackadaisical show like his highly criticized bout against Thales Leites, in which he did more dancing around the ring than actual fighting, there is sure to be plenty to talk about after the fight. But enough about Silva. The most talked about person leading up to UFC 162 is actually his opponent, a relatively unknown fighter from Long Island, NY, named Chris Weidmen.

Let me be clear. When I say relatively unknown, I'm talking about the opinion of the general public, not that of his fellow fighters. Because if you ask his fellow fighters, they know exactly who Chris Weidmen is and they know exactly what he is capable of. Undefeated in the octagon, Weidmen has risen the top of the division and finally earned his shot at the man who many consider to be the greatest fighter of all time. So what's different about this fight? No UFC fighter has figured out a winning formula against The Spider as of yet, so why should this be any different? What gives Weidmen an edge over the scariest man in the world?

Many think it's his wrestling. Chael Sonnen is the one man who has really given Silva a run for his money in the octagon. Chael is one of the best wrestlers/ground and pound fighters in UFC history, and whether it was over-confidence, pure ignorance, or a highly developed skillset in the right area, Chael proved that Silva is a mere mortal after all. After destroying Silva for four and a half rounds, and no I'm not exaggerating when I say 'destroying', Silva caught Sonnen with a late submission to retain the middleweight belt and set the tone for one of the most highly anticipated rematches of all time; one which Silva won with relative ease. Obviously Chael failed to accomplish what he set out to do against Silva, but perhaps his efforts weren't without purpose. Chael found something that nobody else could in countless attempts to do so. He found a way to defeat Anderson Silva.

As far as wrestling goes, Chris Weidmen is as good, if not better, than Chael Sonnen. He has a decorated wrestling background and can use that skillset to do what Chael did to Silva. This is not simply Chael Sonnen 2.0, however. Weidmen has plenty of tools that give him an edge over every opponent who dared challenge Silva for the belt. For one, he has outstanding jui jitsu, which pairs very nicely with his wrestling. Despite some verbal jabs from Silva, Weidmen's standup is pretty good as well. He should easily be able to stand with Silva long enough to bring the fight to the ground, which is sure to prove an invaluable asset to his chances at a victory.

There is no excuse not to watch the event tonight. Head over to Buffalo Wild Wings and check it out if you don't feel like forking over the money for a pay per view at home. It's fun and easy. And now, it's prediction time. This is a tough one. In general, you should never bet against Anderson Silva. People call him the greatest fighter of all time and I stand by the title wholeheartedly. On the other hand, if you created a fighter to beat Silva, you would probably come up with something similar to Chris Weidmen. So if I had to pick a winner, I would go with...

Anderson Silva

The only reason I say that is due to experience. If Weidmen had about 5 more fights under his belt, then I would go with Weidmen. But he doesn't, and thus, I choose Silva. That being said, I'll be rooting for Chris Weidmen the whole way. The only incentive to Silva winning is the potential for a super fight, but that is never guaranteed. For one, it seems like Silva doesn't want to fight Jones and GSP doesn't want to fight Silva. Also, while double checking the spelling of Thales Leites, I found that the GSP superfight was being talked about back in UFC 97. So if I were you, I wouldn't hold your breath.

There's still four hours to go until the Facebook fights begin which, of course, is way too long. Kill a half hour with the Countdown to UFC 162 video below, and prepare for one of the greatest fights you'll ever see tonight at UFC 162.

Original Six - Game Seven

We've nearly arrived at Conference Finals of the 2013 Stanley Cup Playoffs. In the East, the Bruins will take on the Penguins starting this Saturday. In the West, the defending Stanley Cup champion LA Kings outlasted the San Jose Sharks in a seven game thriller which ended in a 2-1 win by the Kings. There is only one question that remains. Who will they play?

The Detroit Red Wings and Chicago Blackhawks have given us one of the best series of the playoffs thus far. Aside from the obvious fact that it's going to take seven games to wrap this one up, this series has been full of unexpected road wins, come from behind victories, and plenty of action. I believe that both Chicago and Detroit have the ability to win it all this year. They just so happened to meet in the Conference Semifinals, and that means that only one can advance beyond tonight. Both teams are part of the NHL's 'original six' franchises and have plenty of history to go along with their talent. So who's going to win it all tonight? Let's break it down.

With their backs against the wall, in hostel territory, the Blackhawks scored three goals in the 3rd period, coming from behind to force a game seven. Despite surviving two elimination games against a very good Detroit team, and despite being the favorites heading into the series, I don't think they have what it takes to close it out tonight. Detroit is too good, and they've come too far to throw it away now. This will be the second consecutive game seven for the Red Wings, and despite the game being held in Chi-town, I think the Wings will win this one. Now, bold predictions usually mean one of two things. Either, I'll be seen as a genius, or a complete idiot. Well, that's a chance I'm willing to take. Tune in at 8pm ET for what is sure to be an unforgettable game. Playoff hockey baby!

Connecticut Day at Fenway Park

My girlfriend is from Newtown, CT. Her father is part of the task force assigned to figuring out the future of Sandy Hook Elementary and what to do with the land/building. The Boston Red Sox, who are no stranger to tragedy, extended a invitation to the friends and families of the victims of Newtown, and I was lucky enough to be a part of the wonderful experience.

In addition to giving us a game winning comeback in the bottom of the 8th, followed by a successful save by Andrew Bailey, the Red Sox bused us all out to the park, gave us free tickets, hats, and food vouchers, and allowed us access to the championship club where we could keep our stuff safe and take a break from the relentless rain. But most importantly, they made dreams come true and raised some dampened spirits by inviting all of their guests onto the field after the game. Then, as if this wasn't enough, the majority of the roster, including Dustin Pedroia, David Ortiz, Jacoby Ellsbury, Jon Lester, Clay Buchholz, and more, joined everybody on the field and shook hands, signed autographs, and took pictures for nearly an hour.

Some of the more emotional moments involved a set of parents taking pictures with players, while holding a portrait of their fallen daughter, the pinning of a green ribbon to Big Papi's jacket, which insipired a round of applause from onlookers, and the handing out of Newtown Police Department badges to all of the players. The event was extremely well run and was a great experience, overall. I know I speak for everyone who involved when I say thank you, Boston. You never fail to renew my love for your city. #BostonStrong

MMA - A War of Attrition

I've been on a huge MMA kick lately. Okay, so when am I not? The truth is, I can't talk about it enough. There is still a certain stigma attached to MMA in the mainstream. It's viewed as a barbaric, blood sport rather than what it really is; an art form  As with most things, the more you watch MMA, the more you start to pick up on the finer points of the sport. For that reason, I can't tell you what to look for. That being said, I can tell you what I look for and hopefully give you a head start on your journey to enlightenment.

For me, the most exciting part about MMA is the passion. The audience only gets a short glimpse into the lives of the fighters. What you don't see is the endless hours of hard work in and out of the gym. Between eating right, constantly training, and the final, often brutal, weight cuts before a fight, the life of a fighter is not an easy one. At the end of it all, you get locked in a cage, punched in the face, and often times lose. So what's the point?

Obviously fighters have their individual reasons for doing what they do. There are, however, some universal explanations that seem to bridge the gap between fighters. It's about the technique, the artistry, and the heart. As your understanding of the sport becomes more and more complex, you begin to see these three factors in every fighter. Some guys are disrespectful of their opponents, disrespectful of the fans, and disrespectful of the sport. But it's rare that you see a guy who isn't in love with what they do. To suffer so much for one goal, you simply have to be.

As I said earlier, the only way to truly appreciate the finer points of MMA is to watch for yourself. I recently discovered that netflix has a number of MMA documentaries and am currently working on compiling a list of the best films. There are also a number of free fights on YouTube that I encourage you to check out. A good starting point would be the famed Forrest Griffin vs. Stephan Bonnar fight that capped off the first season of The Ultimate Fighter reality show. Check that out below and keep it locked to Real Radio and Real Sports for more great MMA coverage.

Bruins Pull Off Amazing Comeback Victory

If you missed game 7 of the Boston vs. Toronto series, then you missed one of the greatest comebacks in the history of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. I, like many others, figured the series would end in five. The Bruins jumped out to an early 3-1 series lead and were heading back to Boston for what many considered to be a series finale. The Maple Leafs had other plans.

Toronto threw together a couple 2-1 wins over the Bruins, tying the series up 3-3 and forcing a game seven. The Bruins had the talent, but the Maple Leafs had the momentum, and many fans were torn between who to pick for the victory. I was cautiously optimistic that the Bs would pull it off, but once they fell to a three goal deficit, I thought they had blown it for sure.

Luckily, the Bruins were a lot more resilient than I. At the end of the first, the game was tied 1-1. Toronto took a 2-1 lead after the second period. During the second intermission, Naoko Funayama asked Johnny Boychuk if the Bruins had what it takes to overcome the deficit and walk away with a victory. Boychuk said yes, but I doubt he saw it going down the way it did.

Two minutes into the third period, former Bruin, Phil Kessel scored, increasing the lead to 3-1. A little over three minutes later, Nazem Kadri scored on a two on one fast break leading to a put back on a juicy rebound from Rask. Bruins fans stared in disbelief as their team was looking at a 4-1 deficit with only 14 minutes left in their season. All hope was lost for the Bruins.

Then Nathan Horton scored. 

I'll admit, my first thought was "why couldn't this have come earlier," as I felt the game was all but over. In my defense, I wasn't alone in this feeling. With two minutes to go, the bruins were still down by two and had no choice but to pull their goalie.

Then Milan Lucic scored.

At this point, as a pessimistic Boston fan (you can thank the Red Sox for that), I still didn't think we were going to pull it off. Call it a defense mechanism. I was actually a little upset that the Bruins would force me to be invested again just to be heartbroken once again. We were down by 1 goal with 0:51 left in the game.

Then Patrice Bergeron scored.

I sat in silence for some time, completely stunned by what had just transpired. I can't recall a comeback this exciting, under these circumstances, in the history of the NHL; truly unparalleled. But the game wasn't over yet. We still needed to best the resilient Maple Leafs in overtime.

The OT period did not start the way that regulation ended. Bruins seemed to be playing a little timid again, rather than the desperation and scrappiness that took them to OT in the first place. Toronto had some fast breaks. Tuukka had some great saves; a sight Bruins fans are all too familiar with.

Then Patrice Bergeron scored. Again.

The comeback was complete! The Bruins, despite a near monumental collapse, finally got their act together, won the first series of the playoffs, and completely stunned Maple Leafs nation. If you didn't watch this game, I'm requiring that you at least watch the highlights, which are posted below.

There's nothing like playoff hockey.

The True Chael Sonnen

Chael Sonnen is one of my favorite fighters. Unfortunately, this is not an opinion shared by many. Due to his constant trash talking, relentless hatred of Brazil, and recent title shot losses, Chael has made more enemies in this business than friends. I'll admit, these are easy reasons to hate Sonnen, but if you dig deeper, you begin to realize that he's not the self-proclaimed "bad guy" that everyone thinks he is.

For one, the trash talking is clearly an act. Anyone with half a brain can see that it's a character he plays, and the real Chael Sonnen is as humble as they come. I strongly suggest you check out his appearance on the Joe Rogan Experience podcast. When he's not in character, he's pretty damn likable. That being said, I think he's pretty damn likable when he's in character too, but that's just me.

Even Chael haters would be hard pressed to claim that Sonnen isn't talented. Aside from being completely outmatched by the young phenom, Jon "Bones" Jones, Sonnen has been a nightmare opponent for everyone he's faced. Even Anderson Silva, a fighter who many consider to be the greatest of all time, struggled immensely at the hands of the famed takedown/ground and pound prestige of Mr. Sonnen.

After two consecutive losses, Sonnen has picked a new verbal target. This time, he has taken to twitter to call out Wanderlei Silva.

2 reasons the fight makes sense:-I want an easy fight;-Wanderlei is broke
— chael sonnen (@sonnench) May 6, 2013

Well, I can't argue with Sonnen on this one. He may have gotten in over his head with Jones, a physical and emotional beating that he readily acknowledged after the fight was over, but Wanderlei is a decidingly easier opponent. If Anderson Silva couldn't stop Chael's takedown, I don't see how Wanderlei would be able to do any better.

Plus, while 'broke' may be a bit of an overstatement, it's true that Wanderlei is a shadow of his former self. I don't see how Silva could win this one. And as a Sonnen fan, I hope that Silva accepts the fight.

What started as a vague call-out via twitter, has recently gotten some more concrete specifications. Sonnen (@sonnench) has changed his twitter background to a mock flyer for the debut of UFC on Fox Sports, set to air August 17th. The card, which already features a highly anticipated bout between Thiago Alves vs. Matt Brown, is promised to be the strongest television fight card the company has ever put on, according to UFC President Dana White. You can view the mock flyer at the top of this post.

Love him or hate him, Chael Sonnen brings in some pretty big numbers in the ratings department. A fight between him and Wanderlei Silva would be an excellent way to kick off the UFC on the new Fox Sports network. Chael gave him 24 hours notice, 19 hours ago. Something tells me Wanderlei won't make the deadline. I'm also fairly confident that Chael will give him an extension. We'll just have to wait and see.

Wand- you have 24 hours to accept. If you do, I will donate 10% of my purse to help schools in your hometown of Curitiba .. I mean, VEGAS.
— chael sonnen (@sonnench) May 9, 2013

Live Chat with Luke Thomas

On an off-week for the UFC, Luke Thomas, the Senior Editor over at MMAFighting.com, takes to Google+ to live chat with fans and answer a ton of questions ranging from the retirement of UFC Heavyweight Shane Carwin to the new Spike TV Fight Master reality show. I thoroughly enjoyed this video, but it's worth noting that this is definitely not for the fair weather MMA fans. It's one and a half hours of dense MMA news; no video clips, still images, or anything of the sort. It's straight dialogue.

The cool part about doing it live, however, is that fans get to ask questions in the comment section. Based on the number of 'thumbs-up' recommendations by readers, the most highly suggested questions dictate the answers Thomas gives on the show. This was really cool and is definitely something to look forward to in the future. Ah, technology.

Check it out below!

The MMA Hour (5/6/13)

While the popularity of MMA is growing exponentially, the sports world remains, in large part, behind the curve. I imagine it's only a matter of time before ESPN and other major media outlets begin launching full fledged MMA analysis shows. Until that time, however, the only place to get great MMA news coverage is via independent broadcasts, podcasting, and, of course, The MMA Hour. Check out the first episode in the brand new studio where host Ariel Helwani talks new-format jujitsu, the rising UFC Women's division, and UFC on FX 8 in addition to a number of other topics with a variety of awesome guests. Check it out, in full, below.

Epicly Later'd: Eric Koston

We posted about HBO's VICE last night, and if you read the post (which I hope you did), then you know the television show simply serves as an extension of "one of the most popular multimedia, multi-platform news outlet in the world." While they are most famous for their international news stories as of late, the featured stories on their site cover a much wider spectrum. A perfect example of such, is their six part series on professional skateboarder, Eric Koston.

While I outgrew skateboarding over the years, I can easily recall being fascinated by the culture, the required-skillset, and the sheer athleticism. However, even if your knowledge of skateboarding is strictly peripheral, there's a good chance you've heard of Eric Koston. Koston is one of the true icons of the skateboarding world, and the embodiment of the new-age skaters that took the torch from the Rodney Mullens and Tony Hawks of the world and paved the way for the Chris Coles and Ryan Shecklers. To be honest, I almost feel guilty saying he paved the way for these skaters as he still competes against them to this day.

The storied career of one of the most celebrated skaters in the history of the sport is one that should be showcased properly. Who better to capture the full story than VICE? In the interest of length, I'll include only the first part below, but beyond that, you should look up the five corresponding parts on your own. Whether you're a Koston fan or not, you should definitely check out this video series. At it's very core, it's a compelling story. That should be enough for an hour of your time.

Vick vs. McCoy

Is the fact that Michael Vick beat LeSean McCoy in a race today more of a win for Vick or a loss for McCoy? To be honest with you, I'm torn on this one. As a Dallas Cowboys fan (I know everybody hates the Cowboys so save your ridicule), I want the Eagles to lose at everything. It is for this reason that I'm leaning towards it being a loss for McCoy. On the other hand, I have to give some props to Vick, because I would never have picked him in a race over LeSean, who has proven to be one of the more dominant running backs in the National Football League. On the other other hand, Michael Vick beats dogs. DOGS! I don't care how many years go by, that is one of those unforgivable crimes. I've never even had a dog, but I simply can't imagine hitting one. Sickening.

Final Decision: Loss for LeSean McCoy. He's got 10 years on you LeSean! You should smoke him!

Boston Bruins vs. Toronto Maple Leafs Playoff Series Preview

Tonight marks the first game of the postseason for the Boston Bruins, and Bs fans everywhere are gearing up for a long, grueling series with the Toronto Maple Leafs. The Bruins, who started the season with an impressive 19-4-3 record, saw a fairly severe collapse as the regular season came to a close. After March 16th, the Bruins posted an overall record of 9-13, finishing their last ten games with a record of three wins and seven losses.

The 2013 season has truly been a tale of two teams in Boston. When the Bruins are hot, there are very few teams that can match their offensive and defensive ability. When they're cold, they can make push overs look like the greatest teams in the league. That being said, the Maple Leafs are anything but push overs. With one of the best penalty kills in the NHL, the Bruins struggling power play is in for a steep challenge. Will the Bruins be able to right the ship and pull out a big series win against their fellow 'original six' member? Here are the keys to tonight's game:

1. Turn up the toughness:

The Boston Bruins are historically famous for their unrelenting toughness on the ice. One of the main reasons the Bruins have been such an streaky team this year is their apparent lack of hustle and physicality. The Bruins need to establish a clear and consistent physical presence on the forecheck and in their own defensive zone in order to gain an edge against a talented Toronto squad.

2. Production from the 2nd line:

The Bruins' second line has serious potential for post season greatness. With the superstar veteran/team leader in Patrice Bergeron at center and two of the more promising youngsters in Brad Marchand and Tyler Seguin on the wings, this line combines speed and finesse with a undeniable passion for winning. In the NHL playoffs, where hustle outweighs all else, these will be the line to watch in this series. Mark my words.

3. Tuuuuuuuukka Rask:

Tuukka Rask has been a consistent dominating force in the net for Boston. With an impressive 2.0 goals against average, Rask has been doing all the right things for the Bruins this year. He needs to carry these numbers into the post season in order to take some of the pressure off of the Bruins scorers.

Enosch Off The Hook

According to reports, prosecutors have dropped their case against UConn's 7'1" center Enosch Wolf. Wolf was arrested in February for a confrontation with a female UConn student. The incident began when Enosch refused to leave an on-campus apartment, leading to a physical altercation with the young woman. The list of charges included third-degree burglary, criminal trespassing, and disorderly conduct.

Wolf was sentenced to personal counseling while he awaited a secondary sentencing. According to Wolf's attorney, the results of the counseling were satisfying enough for prosecutors to drop all charges against the German big man. He still remains suspended from the UConn team, however I expect that suspension to be lifted soon as well.

While there will no doubt be some people who disagree with the decision to let Enosch off the hook, the fact of the matter is that we don't know what happened in that dorm room. All we can do is trust that the United States court system did its job and gave Wolf a punishment that fit the crime.

From a basketball standpoint, this is all good news for the Huskies. Enosch started to emerge as a reliable option in the front court before his season was cut short. After signing 6'11" Amida Brimah, the return of Wolf should give UConn a very intimidating front court next season.

Enosch has decided to continue with personal counseling on his own. He has also decided that he is going to focus on Final Exams, which are coming up in just two weeks. Unfortunately, that also means UConn's famed Spring Weekend is coming up in a few days. As a UConn fan, I really hope I don't come across Enosch doing anything he shouldn't be doing. Fingers crossed!

Husky History Countdown

I've spent the past month covering March Madness for On Campus Sports as a beat writer. It was difficult to write about the Big East Tournament and the field of 68, knowing that UConn wasn't a part of the discussion. To make things worse, I was selected as one of the top writers and assigned to provide exclusive Final Four coverage for the site. Guess which team I got stuck with. I felt as if I was selling my soul with every stat I researched and every compliment I paid to the dreaded Orange. All jokes aside, it was a great experience and I'm thankful for the opportunity.

Nevertheless, I feel like I need to balance the yin with the yang and correct the order of things by doing a good old fashioned Huskies post to purge myself of this Syracuse business. Much like I did for the OCS post, entitled "Getting to know the Final Four: Syracuse," I will do the same for UConn. That means ranking the top five teams and the top five players in Husky history. If I learned anything from the 'Cuse post it's that people are going to disagree with my list; quite passionately actually. There are so many players and teams to chose from that there is no way I won't leave someone off or put someone in the 'wrong' spot, by your standards. That being said, I can take a little negative feedback, so if you agree or disagree, feel free to voice your feelings in the comment section. As long as you're reading, I'm happy.


NCAA Tournament History

Overall record: 52-29 (31 appearances)

Sweet 16 appearances: 16 (1956, 1964, 1976, 1990, 1991, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1998, 1999, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2006, 2009 and 2011)

Final Four appearances: 4 (1999, 2004, 2009 and 2011)

National titles: 3 (1999, 2004 and 2011)


Five Greatest Teams

5. 2008-2009 Huskies (31-5 Final Four)

With arguably the best front court, back court pairing in UConn history, the '08-'09 Huskies can be counted among the top five teams of all time. While the rest of the country might not remember Jeff Adrien, UConn fans will never forget him. The perfect combination of power and enthusiasm, Adrien provided fans with excitement and statistical feats, alike. Hasheem Thabeet was the most dominant big man in the country, averaging an impressive 4.2 blocks per game. Together, Thabeet and Adrien averaged 13.6 PPG each and 10.8 and 9.8 rebounds, respectively. A.J. Price and Jerome Dyson provided 14.7 and 13.2 PPG, respectively. Add some solid minutes by Craig Austrie, Stanley Robinson, and a young Kemba Walker, and you're looking at a heck of a team. Did I mention the fact that they made it to the Final Four?

4. 1995-1996 Huskies (32-3 Sweet 16)

If the '08-'09 squad had the best front court, back court pairing in UConn history, then the 95-96 Huskies had the best pure back court of all time. Between averaging 23.4 and 16.0 PPG and shooting 46.6% and 40.6% from beyond the arch respectively, Ray Allen and Doron Sheffer struck fear into the hearts of opposing guards everywhere. Ray Allen's talent speaks for itself; well-remembered by UConn fans forevermore. Doron Sheffer was arguably more important to the talented '96 team than Ray, however. He averaged 1.86 steals and 6.06 assists per game. The '96 Huskies won the Big East Tournament and made it to the Sweet 16 before falling to #5 Mississippi State.

3. 1989-1990 Huskies (31-6 Elite Eight)

By all statistical accounts, the '89-'90 season is well-deserving of top five honors. Chris Smith, Nadav Henefeld, and Tate George were at their very best, averaging 17.2, 11.6, and 11.5 points respectively. The Huskies won 31 games leading to their first Big East regular season title and first Big East Tournament championship. The true significance of this season was the statement it made about the Jim Calhoun era. In Calhoun's first NCAA Tournament appearance, he made a dream run to the Elite Eight. The run featured one of the most memorable shots in UConn history, when Tate George hit a miraculous buzzer beater against Clemson. Due to its influence on the recruiting process, the '89-'90 season has a hand in every great season that followed.

2. 1998-1999 Huskies (34-2 National Champions)

1999 was certainly a year to remember in Storrs, CT. With the exception of two losses in February, the Huskies went undefeated. That includes a Big East regular season title and a Big East tournament championship. Most importantly, the Huskies won their first ever National Title, putting their mark on the history books forever. Richard Hamilton led the team in scoring. Kevin Freeman and Jake Voskuhl provided a strong presence down low. Khalid El-Amin served as a floor general, leading the team in assists. Ricky Moore provided productive minutes as well. Jim Calhoun won his first National Title, but it would not be his last.

1. 2003-2004 Huskies (33-6 National Champions)

The '03-'04 UConn squad is, in my opinion, the most talented group of Huskies to ever grace the court. Just look at the number of players that went on to play in the NBA. Seven of the fourteen players on the '04 roster moved on to the next level. The list of names hardly seems real. Emeka Okafor, Ben Gordon, Charlie Villanueva, Hilton Armstrong, Josh Boone, Denham Brown and Marcus Williams. Considering the fact that the third highest scorer on the team Rashad Anderson and assist leader Taliek Brown didn't go pro, the depth on this team was remarkable. With the exception of a 1 point Final Four victory over Duke, the '04 Huskies easily marched their way through their opponents, winning by an average of 13.3 PPG. Absolutely dominant. It's worth noting that the UConn Women won that year as well, making 2004 the only year that both the Men and Women's basketball teams from the same school have won a National Title.


Five Greatest Players

5. Kemba Walker, Guard, 2008-2011

Kemba Walker will forever be my favorite player in UConn history. I entered my freshman year of college the same time that Kemba did. My junior year, Kemba had the best individual season a
UConn player has ever had. I'll argue this one with anybody. Let's start with the stats, since they're the easiest to break down. Over his three years with UConn, Kemba improved from 8.9 PPG to 14.6 PPG to an impressive 23.5 PPG his junior year. He averaged 4.1 assists and 1.7 steals per game over the course of his career. He helped the Huskies to two Final Fours, winning it all in 2011. The intangibles are what make Kemba a shoe-in top five selection. Sure he won games, but it's all about how he won games. From countless buzzer beaters and end-of-game heroics to the idea that he was a clear leader on a team full of underclassmen, Kemba had more of an individual impact on his team than any other Husky, ever.

4. Chris Smith, Guard, 1988-1992

Chris Smith remains to be the Huskies' all time leading scorer with 2,145 career points. After averaging 9.9 PPG his Freshman year, Chris exploded with 17.2 PPG, 18.9 PPG and 21.2 PPG each year that followed. Smith's real impact on the Huskies, however, was his decision to come to Storrs in the first place. The outstanding performance by in-state recruits like Chris Smith and Scott Burrell allowed Calhoun to start going after top level out-of-state recruits. If it wasn't for Smith, we may never have gotten our next Husky on the list; an army brat with a particular knack for peeling off of a screen.

3. Ray Allen, Guard, 1993-1996

Ray Allen was an absolute beast at UConn. After only three years with the Huskies, Allen became the fourth highest scorer in program history. His freshman 12.6 PPG average jumped up to 21.1 and then 23.4 PPG his sophomore and junior year, respectively. He was a well rounded player, averaging 6.0 RPG, 2.4 APG, and 1.7 SPG. His true claim to fame, however, was his lights out three point shooting. His near perfect form is used as the textbook example of 'how you should shoot' a three. His career three point percentage of 44.8% is a school record, and he shot as well as 46.6% during his final season with the Huskies. Just like Chris Smith paved the way for Ray Allen, Ray Allen paved the way for the players who came after.

2. Richard Hamilton, Guard/Forward, 1996-1999

Ray Allen and Richard Hamilton are comparable on the stat sheet. His stats dip a bit in RPG (4.5) and SPG (1.3), compared to Allen, while his APG (2.6) are slightly higher. Hamilton is arguably the best scoring threat UConn has ever seen. His 2,036 career points rank him 2nd of all time, behind Chris Smith's 2,145 points. The craziest part is that Hamilton did it in three years versus Chris Smith's four. Hamilton put his greatest mark on UConn when he led them to their first National Championship in 1999. Jim Calhoun would go on to win two more in his tenure with the Huskies, but it all started with the Hamilton-led Huskies. If Rip is number 2, then who could be number 1?

1. Emeka Okafor, Center, 2001-2004

Emeka Okafor, of course! Granted, the 2012-2013 squad isn't the best example of such, but UConn is perhaps best known for their dominant big men. The list of great centers in Storrs starts and ends with the 6'10" Emeka Okafor. Okafor epitomizes what it means to be a Husky, graduating in three years with a degree in Accounting/Finance. Okafor averaged a double double over the course of his career with 13.8PPG and 10.6 RPG. He is the Huskies' all-time blocks leader with a career average of 4.3 BPG. Even the 7'3" Hasheem Thabeet, one of the Huskies greatest defensive Centers of all time, couldn't come close to Emeka's number with just 417 career blocks versus Okafor's 441. Okafor was the emotional leader for the Huskies in 2004, leading them to their second National Championship. Okafor was the best player on the best Huskies team. His rank at number 1 is an absolute no-brainer. Disagree? Give us your list below.

Sweet 16 Mortal Locks: Friday Night

Okay, so last night I offered some predictions that turned out to be not-so-accurate. Then again, going two for four in this bizzaro world that is the 2013 NCAA Tournament isn't all that bad. That being said, tonight is a completely different story. I am absolutely, 100% positive that every one of the following predictions is correct. I've personally spoke with each team, each coach, and even the allegedly racist Doug Gottlieb, in order to ensure that I am the most qualified person on the planet, to make these predictions. Go ahead and bet your children's college fund, your house, and whatever else you can gather up, because these picks are the definition of mortal locks! And if I'm wrong, you need to seriously reevaluate your life. I mean you're kid's tuition money? What's that about? You need help, man... Here are the picks!


Game 1: #12 Oregon vs. #1 Louisville

Game Time: 7:15
Winner: Louisville
Final Score: 78 - 63


Game 2: #4 Michigan vs. #1 Kansas

Game Time: 7:37
Winner: Michigan
Final Score 67 - 61


Game 3: #3 Michigan State vs. #2 Duke

Game Time: 9:45
Winner: Michigan State
Final Score: 74 - 72


Game 4: #15 FGCU vs. #3 Florida

Game Time: 9:57
Winner: FGCU
Final Score: 80 - 78


P.S. I hate Doug Gottlieb and absolutely hope he gets fired for reasons I will not get into right now. However, despite his comment being weird and awkward like the weird little awkward guy he is; it was is no way racist. Check the video below if you missed his comment.

(The White Man's Perspective)

Sweet 16 Mortal Locks: Thursday Night

For the sweet 16 and the elite 8, I will be providing predictions for each and every game. These are not guesses; these are answers. I assure you that every one of these picks will be correct! And if they're not, I reserve the right to edit the post, after the fact, so that you will never be able to prove it! Hahahahaha! Anyway, here goes.


Game 1: #3 Marquette vs. #2 Miami

Game Time: 7:15 ET
Winner: Miami Hurricanes
Final Score: 72 - 62


Game 2: #6 Arizona vs. #2 Ohio State

Game Time: 7:47 ET
Winner: Ohio State Buckeyes
Final Score: 80 - 78


Game 3: #4 Syracuse vs. #1 Indiana

Game Time: 9:45 ET
Winner: Syracuse Orange
Final Score: 76 - 70


Game 4: #13 La Salle vs. #9 Wichita State

Game Time: 10:17 ET
Winner: La Salle Explorers
Final Score: 77-74

Gavin Edwards - World Traveler (Interview)

With the first two play-in games over and done with, and the last two starting tonight at 6:40, the NCAA Tournament is officially under way. The 2012-2013 college basketball season is almost over and that means we'll be saying goodbye to the senior class and the student-athletes who have decided to leave early. For the players who declare for the NBA, we will see endless coverage on all media outlets over the next several months and throughout their careers. We also understand that most of the athletes will make a life for themselves doing something other than basketball and remain, in large part, out of the spotlight. But what about those former college players that have gone on to play the game they love professionally, but not in America?

If you're a UConn basketball fan, you no-doubt remember Gavin Edwards. The 6'10" Center from Gilbert, AZ served as the embodiment of Husky pride, using heart and hustle to improve from 6.5 minutes and 2.0 points per game to 30.4 minutes and 10.6 points per game. Since his UConn days, Edwards has traveled all over the world, playing everywhere from Korea to Greece. Gavin was nice enough to speak with Real Radio about what it was like to play for UConn and the various challenges that come with being an American basketball player over seas. Check it out!


What was it like playing under Hall of Fame coach, Jim Calhoun? What sort of relationship do you have with him now?

I will admit that I had a little bit of a tough time at first playing for Coach. I had heard all sorts of stories about how he was kind of crazy on the court during games and stuff, but nothing could really prepare me for how tough he was going to be on all his players. It took me a while to really realize that he doesn't do anything for no reason. Every time he yells at someone and looks like he is acting out, there is always some motive or reason for why he doing that. I think it was commonly known that I had a pretty short leash with him my first couple years, but I look back now and realize that he didn't really get the reaction that he wanted out of me when he would yell at me and pull me out of games after I had literally only been in a few seconds. Later in my career I found that I just had to play to make plays and not play to mess up, which is what I was doing in fear of him yanking me out of the game, which I think was one of the greatest things that I took away from playing at UConn. It kind of gives you a fearlessness that he kind of demands of his players. 


Kevin Ollie began coaching the year after you left. Based on what you've seen out of Ollie and what you know about Calhoun, how do you think this change in coaching style will pan out on the court?

Coach Calhoun and Coach Ollie's coaching styles are very different but they both demand the same thing of their players from what I have seen. Coach Calhoun is a very outspoken and in your face, no none sense type of coach. Where Coach Ollie is a little more nurturing. However, both coaches care deeply for their players and demand everything out of their players on the court. I think both coaches have been in situations where they have had all of the cards stacked against them but have still made best out of the situation and accomplished what most people outside the program didn't think was possible.


How closely did you follow the team this year (2012-2013)? What are your thoughts on the Big East realignment, the post-season ban, and how this team has responded to the various distractions put in front of them this season?

Being overseas I wasn't able to catch all of the games due to the time difference but I would watch games whenever I could. I thought this years team played hard every single game and had an unbelievable season considering all the odds that were against them. They were really a joy to watch, even I think most people really didn't expect much from them. It is really a shame that they had to serve the post season ban. I think they had a very good chance to make the tournament and make a great run. I don't think UConn was fairly punished with the post season ban at all. Although there may have been some academic shortcomings, I think that if every other University was investigated to the extent and prosecuted as UConn was, there would be a lot more major Universities hanging it up for the season before the tournament starts. Aside from all of the other distractions I think this years team fought hard every game and a lot of husky fans loved them for that and really enjoyed watching every game.


Can you give us a quick breakdown of where you have played basketball over the past few years?

My first year out of school I played in South Korea and the NBA D-League. My second year I played in Greece. This year I am playing in Malaysia. 


I assume that you are one of only a handful of Americans in all of these different countries. While I'm sure you love playing basketball for a living, are there any major difficulties with moving around so much and living over seas?

One of the hardest parts of playing overseas is pretty much just being away from your friends and family for so long. Most seasons players have to go through preseason on top of all of the games with whatever team they are playing for which adds a couple of months that you have to be gone. On average I would say most players are gone about 7-8 months out of the year. It is a lot easier now days with all of the technology, making it much easier to keep in touch with everyone but it still sucks not being able to be around for pretty much all of the major holidays and stuff. It is also hit and miss with the quality of life as well. Some countries are very westernized and have a good amount of "normal" food but other countries are very traditional and don't have a lot of food that we are used to eating.


I read in the Hartford Courant, that you came back to UConn to finish up your degree. Why did you feel it was important for you to do that?

I wanted to come back and get my degree because I really wanted to get my degree and the longer I put it off the less likely I was be motivated to come back and get it later on in life. One of the good things about being able to play still is that I pretty much have the whole summer to do whatever I want with, so that gives me a good chance to take the classes I need to graduate and still be able to workout for the upcoming season. 


In the same article, I read that due to the economic problems in Greece, you were at one point owed $30,000, but didn't expect to get it back anytime soon. Are you still waiting for that money, or has the problem resolved itself?

Yeah I am still waiting on that money. It is a pretty lengthy process in order to get the team to pay up. I basically have to take them to court with FIBA, which is governing body of basketball in the world. When the case is ruled in my favor, the team will have sanctions placed against them until they pay me all of the money that they owe me. That whole process can take years though so there is no telling when that could happen. 

I noticed, from your facebook, that you have very good taste in hip hop. As this is primarily a hip hop blog, what artists are you most high on recently, and what are your general feelings about the direction hip hop is heading lately?

The rappers that I have been listening to most recently are Kendrick Lamar, Joey Badass, Andre 3000, Action Bronson, Big K.R.I.T., Lupe Fiasco, Pusha T, Curren$y, Frank Ocean, Earl Sweatshirt, J. Cole, Jay Z, And Kanye. I think hip hop is headed in two very different directions. I think there are rappers who really take their craft seriously as musicians and artists, then there are the rappers that make music just for the money and fame. Unfortunately I think the rappers that most often go unnoticed are the rappers that are much nicer lyrically but don't have any big radio hits that gets them noticed by the casual fan that only knows someone if they are in the top 10 on iTunes. For Example I am a huge fan of Action Bronson but I think if you ask most people they would think Action Bronson was a 1970's movie star. There are rappers getting multimillion dollar record deals because they have one or two hot songs, when if you look at the body of work of some of the rappers I mentioned above, is in my opinion much better and more deserving of the money and help that is provided by the labels. I think there are without a doubt a good crop of artists that can take over and lead hip hop in a good direction, but I think a lot of that depends on whether a lot of them get the shine that they undoubtedly deserve.

(Edwards Dunking at the Greater Hartford Pro-Am)

Thank You, Kevin Ollie

It's been a special year for the UConn men's basketball program. Over the course of the season, I've discussed the various obstacles laid out in front of this team, and the tremendous heart they've shown to overcome such challenges. After the NCAA banned the Huskies from the post season and allowed players to transfer without having to sit out a year, it felt as if all hope was lost. While most fans had written this season off as a practice year, I struggled to find a silver lining in the upcoming 2012-2013 season. As always, watching new players find their role on the team and watching old players grow and mature is important and enjoyable. However, this year also presented UConn fans with a question they hadn't had to ask in 26 years. How will this new coach do? Rather than simply report his stats, both intangible and concrete, I decided it'd be more appropriate to write him a letter. I don't know if he'll see this or not, but for a man that has shown the UConn community so much passion and loyalty over the years, a personal letter is the only format that seems to fit the situation.



Coach Ollie,

First and foremost, thank you. I believe that I speak for all UConn students, alumni, and basketball fans around the world when I say that you have done an outstanding job this season, both on and off the court. We already knew you had the ability to lead. As a point guard at UConn, you quickly became a fan favorite. Serving as a floor general and chief motivator, your tremendous heart helped to put UConn on the map while showing the world what being a Husky is all about. The drive and determination you showed by lasting 13 years in the NBA is unparalleled. You have outstanding character; a trait that you have passed on to the UConn basketball team this year, as head coach. You have spent the season thanking the UConn fans for their loyalty and support. I think it's about time we show you what this year's team meant to us.

The feeling was similar to being kicked while you were down. It all started with NCAA violations and a long winded appeal process that seemed to be going nowhere. We were being punished for past crimes, and it seemed unfair that this year's team, who had absolutely nothing to do with the academic issues in the past, had to serve the sentence of their predecessors. The NCAA, recognizing this dilemma, granted all current UConn players the privilege of foregoing the required year out, if they chose to transfer to another school. More bad news for UConn, as we lost Alex Oriakhi and Roscoe Smith to such an offer. We also had some players go to the NBA that may not have made the move if the post season circumstances had been different. In addition, rumors began circulating about the potential dismantling of the Big East. Despite basketball powerhouses like Duke and UNC petitioning for UConn to join the ACC, we were consistently denied the right to follow long time rivals like Syracuse and Louisville into the new power conference. As if this wasn't bad enough, Jim Calhoun, the man who literally built this program from the ground up, was finally retiring. That's quite a few challenges to put in front of a new coach, never mind the fact that you were only named the interim head coach at the time.

 Given all the obstacles and setbacks, it was hard not to start the year with a feeling of defeat. After watching UConn coverage on ESPN all day, it was finally time to tip off the season with a game against Michigan State on the U.S. Ramstein Air Base in Germany. The team was brilliant, hitting 9 out of their first 10 shots and surviving the Spartans run to win the game 66 to 62. More important than the win was the message you sent to UConn and the rest of the world; we will not roll over and quit. The players who remained on the team were there because they wanted to be. They could have left, like so many others, but instead, they chose to stay and play for the program and the fans. Most of all, they chose to stay and play for you. As much as I would've liked UConn to give you a long term contract from the beginning, the fact that you were not the 'permanent' head coach gave the team something to fight for in a year with no post season. They wanted their coach to be UConn's coach. I want you to know that for most of the fans I've talked to, that win against Michigan State sealed the deal. You made us believers.

Personally, I became a believer when I saw your speech at Jim Calhoun's retirement press conference in Gampel Pavilion. As a UConn student and lifelong UConn basketball fan, I can assure you that you said all the right things that day. We don't want an NBA factory or a program that only cares about winning. Here at UConn, we want a coach and a team that care as much about the University of Connecticut as we do. Your love for the school, the basketball program, and the fans meant more to us than any stat possibly could. Coach, you did an outstanding job this year, but you earned the love of the fans the moment you showed us your love for UConn. The Big East Coach of the year is set to be announced later this evening. I don't know who will earn the title, and to be honest, it doesn't even really matter. All of us here at UConn know who really deserves it this year.

There are a million more things I can praise you on, but I know you're a busy man. The win over Syracuse was probably the loudest I've ever heard a UConn crowd. Watching new stars like Omar Calhoun and DeAndre Daniels rise up from the background gave us great hope for the future. Having a girlfriend from Newtown, I was able to see the impact that the candle light vigil and the visit to her hometown had on her family and the community, first hand. Capping the season off with an overtime victory against Providence was the perfect ending to an amazing year. I could go on forever. Instead, I will leave you with one last thought.

To so many people in so many situations, basketball is much more than a game. UConn is much more than a school or a team. We are a family. You joined our family in 1991 when you decided to come play for the University of Connecticut. For 13 years, you made us proud, as a shining example of Husky Pride in the NBA. In 2010 you returned to your UConn family and reminded us all what made you so special in the first place. Finally, you took the reigns as head coach of our beloved team, a position you described as your "dream job," and one in which we all hope you will remain to for a long, long time. So once again, thank you Coach. Whatever feelings you have towards UConn, they are reciprocated tenfold. Never forget that.


                                                                   -Nick Rizner on behalf of UConn fans everywhere

Ill Will Brooks

Let's face it. There are few things on this earth better than an inspirational sports story. Well, lucky for you, I have a great one. "Ill" Will Brooks is a Lightweight Mixed Martial Artist who has shown some great potential is his still very young career. Getting off to an impressive 9-0 start, Brooks has finally begun making a name for himself in the Bellator Tournament. Unfortunately, the sad truth of MMA is that at any moment, one mistake can lead to defeat. Brooks experienced this first hand at Bellator 91, this past Thursday. After landing only one strike, Brooks got caught with a strong uppercut in the clinch. Visibly rocked, the referee let the fight go as long as he could, but ultimately had to call it due to Will's inability to defend himself. Needless to say, a 9-1 record is nothing to shake a stick at, and despite the loss, I still see Will Brooks as one of the top up and comers and a young fighter who could progress into something truly special if he continues along the path he's set for himself.

However, the reason I chose to do a write up on Will is not because of his outstanding talent, although, to be frank, that's probably reason enough. But no, what makes Ill Will stand out from the competition, is his incredible story of heart, drive, and inspiration. Will grew up in Chicago, surrounded by a world of drugs and violence that cast a shadow on everything around him. According to Brooks in his Bellator MMA Profile, "You see it in the streets, you don't think that much of it. But when it's affecting your family; affecting your mother, your father, your sister, your brother, it opens your eyes to a different world." His guardian angel and savior, in many ways, was his friend's mother, who not only treated Will like a son, but ultimately became his adoptive mother, making what everyone already knew and accepted, official in the eyes of the law. Mama J, as she is affectionately referred to, refused to let Will give up on life, due to his rough beginnings. She told him that he was going to be special, and a good man. The lesson stuck. After a long, painful struggle with cancer, his adoptive mother, the woman who in many respects saved his life, passed away.

Mama J taught Will the value of a hug and the words "I love you." This lesson was put on display after Will's first win at this year's Bellator Lightweight Tournament. In an emotional scene with his adoptive father crying in the crowd and Will in the center of the ring struggling to find his words, there wasn't a dry eye in the place. I'm sure most of the fans did not expect to tear up when they bought their MMA tickets, but it was hard not to as the raw emotion of the moment flooded over everyone in attendance. The importance of these back stories and fighter profiles go beyond the simple prospect of entertainment value. It humanizes a sport that many view as barbaric. The audience sees a killing-machine of a man who enters the ring with his sights set on dismantling his opponent. What they don't see is the hard work and determination that's required to uphold such a demanding training regimen. They don't see all the emotion and stress the fighters carry with them when they enter the ring. Once you get invested in the people wearing the gloves, the sport becomes far less barbaric, and far more heroic. Whether it be serving as an inspiration to young men and women in similar circumstances, or making a big name for himself at a young age in the increasingly competitive world of MMA, trust me when I tell you that Will Brooks is a hero.

Early Final Four Predictions

I've got a lot riding on March Madness this year. We are using the success of our brackets to determine the order of next season's fantasy football draft, and with a couple of solid late round keepers from last season, I could really use an early 1st round pick in 2013. Let me start by saying I love March Madness. I don't think there's a single post season in any sport, collegiate, professional, or otherwise, that comes close to the excitement of the NCAA tournament. That being said, I absolutely hate doing brackets. Don't get me wrong, I fill them out every year with an idiotically defiant optimism, as if the previous year never happened, but come round 2 or 3 of the tournament, I will have torn up my picks and forced the shame out of my mind until next year when the cycle will inevitably repeat itself. The only comforting thought during such dark times is the fact that nobody knows what they're doing. Despite a growing number of people around the country claiming to be bona fide 'Bracketologists,' there is no-such field as Bracketology, although I'm sure some progressive college will offer it as a major at some point down the road. Did you know that the University of Arizona offers a minor in hip-hop? I'm primarily a hip hop blogger and even I think that's a huge waste. Just pick up an Outkast album and let the education begin. I digress.

Now that I've instilled so much confidence in you regarding my talents as an NCAA pick'em expert, allow me to guide you to guaranteed success while filling out your brackets this year. Here are my picks for this year's final four. Obviously, it depends on which teams are located in which regions as well as potential matchups throughout the tourney, so I'm basically giving you my picks for the top 4 teams in the country around tournament time this year. Here goes:

1. Indiana Hoosiers

I understand that the Indiana Hoosiers are the number 1 team in the country at the moment, but I assure you, this has nothing to do with why I picked them. (Nor does the fact that Hoosiers is one of the greatest sports movies of all time and I secretly hope people go back to shooting foul shots underhand.) They say defense wins championships, but with offense like this, who cares what they say? Indiana is averaging 82.5 points per game with a remarkable team field goal percentage right at 50%. They also lead the the country in 3 point percentage. In what is a very good Big 10 conference this year, this is quite a feat. Look out for these guys in March.

2. Miami Hurricanes

Okay so my first and second final four picks were the top two teams in the country. So what? They're the two best choices. Miami is 13-0 in the ACC. They're undefeated in the months of January and February and despite all the breaking down of statistics that everyone loves to do, the most important stat is, of course, wins. The Miami Hurricanes are winners. Their march madness is starting a bit early as they square off against Duke on March 2nd, a rematch of their impressive 90-63 show of dominance over the then-number one Blue Devils. Win or lose this battle set to take place in front of the Cameron crazies should do a fantastic job preparing the Hurricanes for the rigors of tournament play. They're a dangerous team for any opponent who stands in their way.

3. UConn Huskies Syracuse Orange/Michigan State Spartans

Ah, finally an underdog; no pun intended. The Huskies are natural born tournament winners. Whether it's the tough coaching by Jim Calhoun that finally pays off at the end of each season, or an inferiority complex that causes UConn to play with a chip on their shoulder, the Huskies always seem to find a way to make a tourney run. Much of the original cast from the 2011 National Championship team remains in Connecticut including Shabazz Napier, Niels Giffey, and Tyler Olander. Although the Huskies remain unranked, they have some pretty significant wins under their belt including the #4 Michigan State Spartans and the #8 Syracuse Orange. Oh wait... UConn is banned from the post season due to past students' bad grades? It doesn't have anything to do with the current roster and since the 2010-2011 season, they've been well above the required standard? Well that's a bummer. Ignore this entire paragraph. I guess I'll go with Michigan State or Syracuse since they're ranked in the top 10 and there won't be any UConn in the tournament to stop them.

4. Kansas Jayhawks

Kansas made it to the National Championship game last year, yet had to settle for 2nd place as they fell to the Kentucky Wildcats 67-59. An experienced roster including four seniors who all see significant playing time and a cool and collected been-there-done-that demeanor should cause any tournament opponent of theirs to shake in their boots. The 7 foot tall Jeff Withey, who is, in my opinion, the best defensive center in the country, averages 4.0 blocks a game and affects far more shots than that. Opponents are scared to come inside against such an imposing presence. Senior Travis Releford and Freshman sensation Ben McLemore round out an outstanding backcourt that leads the team in minutes as well as points. I think Kansas is a serious final four prospect with a legitimate chance at taking another stab at the National Championship for the second year in a row.