On the Sidelines 46

On the Sidelines 46

Another week has flown by in the world of sports.  Some second round NBA Playoff match ups are set.  But we will have two game sevens to end the first round as well.  I have some Colts news concerning myself.  And we'll finish up with NHL Playoffs and MLB Standings.

Indianapolis Colts News
Naptown's Finest- Indianapolis Colts Fan Site

Indiana Pacers News
Indiana Pacers and Miami Heat Tangle in Second Round
Round 2 Playoff Series Preview: Miami Heat and Indiana Pacers

ESPN NHL Playoffs 2012

MLB Standings

On the Sidelines 45- NBA and NHL Playoffs

On the Sidelines 45

Since the NBA Playoffs and NHL Playoffs are in full force, let's focus on those.  This will like a pre game show for Indiana Pacers and Orlando Magic, which tips off at 2:00 PM on ESPN.  I'll look at the other playoff matchups for NBA.  Also, look at what's happening with the NHL Playoffs.

On the Sidelines 44

On the Sidelines 44

Talking up the Indianapolis Colts first three rounds of draft picks.

Giving out my NBA Playoffs Preview.

Indianapolis Colts News
Arrival of a New Era
Colts Go Double Tight End

Indiana Pacers News
Indiana Pacers Recap
Indiana Pacers Player Awards
First Round Schedule for the Indiana Pacers and Orlando Magic

Playoffs Central on ESPN.com

On the Sidelines 43

On the Sidelines 43

What to talk about this week?  The Indianapolis Colts will select Andrew Luck as the first pick, and if you didn't know that, you were living under a rock.  The Indiana Pacers are riding a seven game win streak and just announced George Hill as the starter and Darren Collison will be coming off the bench.  Interesting side note there.  NHL Playoffs are in full force.  And we'll finish up with a peek at the baseball standings.

Indianapolis Colts News
2012 Schedule Unveiled
Source: Colts Inform Andrew Luck

Indiana Pacers News
David West Pacers the Indiana Pacers
Indiana Pacers Make it Six in a Row
David West Leads the Way

NHL Playoffs Feature on ESPN

MLB Standings

Larry Brown Back to Coaching for the what time?

No Job Offer Yet

I saw the headlines about Larry Brown possibly coaching SMU, and it gets me thinking one thing: WHY!??! I do he's a great coach and all of that.  The only coach to win a NBA Championship and a NCAA Championship, so that's definitely worth mentioning and that says something about this ability.  But this guy retires after every job he takes it feels like.  So what's the point of coaching here at SMU?  Brown could probably walk into any job he wanted to, and he's picking this to come back for coaching 

I do think he's a better coach for the college game because I feel like he does love that aspect of working with those guys.  The NBA is tough since this is men who are probably making more money than you, so it's not always easy to get their respect.  I know he was a good coach in the NBA, but ultimately if he's coming back, it would be at the college.

If he's able to get SMU relevant in any sense, then he's done the job right, and he'll probably walk away from it.  What's the over under on what you think he'll last? I'm going with a season if that. I just can't see Brown sticking with this job for that long. If he goes longer, then I was proven wrong, and he's a lifer as they say.

On the Sidelines 42

On the Sidelines 42

Busy weekend of sports ahead as there's NBA games happening, NHL Playoffs have started, MLB is going in its second weekend, football draft talk has been going just to name a few things.  We'll get it going with Colts draft talk, Pacers week that was and where they're heading, and finishing up looking at MLB standings and some NHL Playoffs.

Indianapolis Colts News
Colts Official Site

Indiana Pacers News
Pacers Clinch a Playoff Berth
Good, Bad, and Ugly of Pacers and Cavs
Pacers Claw the Raptors

MLB Stuff
MLB Standings

NHL Stuff
ESPN NHL Playoffs 2012

On the Sidelines 41

On the Sidelines 41

Another week of sports has gone by, and what has happened.  We got a National Champion in college basketball.  The Pacers are on a nice run. Andrew Luck had a private workout with the Colts.  Baseball season started up.  Hockey is playing it's final month before the months of playoffs.  There's plenty of sports happening and I've got you covered in some of it.

Indianapolis Colts News
Who will be catching passes from Andrew Luck?
Who runs the ball for this Colts team?

NFL News
Final Thoughts on the Saints BountyGate

NCAA Basketball News
Where are the Shining Moments?

Indiana Pacers News
Pacers Thunder On
Way to Follow Up
Pacers Get by the Knicks with a HUGE 4th Quarter
Pacers Rally to Beat the Rockets

NBA Standings

Final Thoughts on the Saints Bountygate

I haven't jumped too much into this discussion about the bounty gate of the Saints because I thought there would be severe punishments and it would be over for a bit.  I think the idea that guys were going out for only small chunks of change to hurt someone is ridiculous. Yes football is a collision sport and guys will hurt each other without even blinking.  But to intentionally do it, that's something completely different.  And to think about the money most NFL players make, what would an extra thousand dollars add or whatever?

Then you get to the coaching staff and the upper management of the Saints knowing they were told to stop it, but they kept doing it.  That's probably more of the reason for the lengthy and harsh penalties.  I think the penalties fit the crime. I'm more interested to hear how the players involved will get punished. Yes losing the coach is one thing, but losing guys that can make a difference on the field is a whole other story.

Now there's word that Sean Payton is putting an appeal together for the league to hear.  To me, this is just a waste of time, and it's pretty much to buy time for the Saints to figure out the coaching situation. I imagine this whole appeal process would be done and over with since who's hearing the appeal, the same man who gave out the punishment.  Why would Roger Godell change his mind this soon? Now the whole Greg Williams indefinite suspension, who knows when that might be up.  That's a situation, I don't know what would happen for it to be lifted other than Goddell have some sort of change of heart and thinking that was a too harsh of a penalty.

But these guys did the crime, and now it's time to pay for that.  What do you think? Overload of penalties or just right?

Blue Monday: Who is going to catch the passes?

Weird to see all the changes that the Colts have undergone and Reggie Wayne is still around, which is a great thing because after losing some receivers, I was wondering who would be left. I think Reggie will be a great safety net for Andrew Luck, and a guy that can be counted on to come up big for this receiving core.  You have Blair White and Austin Collie as well, but after that who else is around?  Do you think Austin Collie can hold up and have another good year like he had a couple of years ago?  Do the Colts need to go out and pick up a receiver or two?  Some questions for the receiving end of the Colts and ones that I don't have any answers for right now.

Where are the shining moments?

Hard to believe it's the Final Four, and I find myself indifferent to it.  Overall, this NCAA Tourney has been boring to me without some of the drama of buzzer beaters and Cinderella stories. I love seeing a team like Leigh knock off high and mighty Duke.  But then Leigh goes out and gets knocked out the next round.

If you want to say there's a team that's not supposed to be in the Final Four, I guess you would go with Louisville.  But a fun stat there is in the past three years, the team that won the Big East Tourney has gone to the Final Four, UConn and West Virginia in previous years.  Therefore, Big East teams if you want a Final Four ticket, then win your tourney.

Kentucky is here and looks to be the most dominating team we've seen in the tourney in recent years.  They're the number one overall team, and playing like that.  You have Anthony Davis look to get hurt, sit out a play, and come right back.  Kentucky features guys who will go to the NBA probably this coming year, but still play together like college kids.  Can John Calipari knock off rival Louisville and rival coach in Rick Pitino?

Ohio State brings the Big Ten into the picture and knocked out number on Syracuse along the way.  This looks to be one of the better Ohio State teams, so I would imagine there's some pressure on this team to win and get that National Championship that has eluded them.

Here's an article I came across comparing Kansas to Butler, in the sense that Kansas is winning close games, but have made it this far.  That's quite the feat for Butler to be in the same sentence as Kansas, and just a few years ago, would you have imagined that?

So who wins the Final Four games and moves on?  With my bracket, I am going with Kansas and Kentucky with Kansas somehow slowing down Kentucky in the final game. I feel fairly confident in my final game picks, but not too confident in that champion pick.  That's the beauty of March Madness, and what's been missing. I am interested to see what will be thrown together for "One Shining Moment" because have there have been that many moments to put out there?

Blue Monday

The Running Backs

Is this the year Donald Brown breaks out?  He is going to be in a contract year, which is usually a sign that a guy will have a great year, so they can get paid with the next contract.  Colt fans haven't had much faith in Brown, but with Joseph Addai gone, I look for Brown to get more of the carries.  Delone Carter showed a little bit of flash in his runs, so he could be taking time away from Brown in the running game.  Or maybe the Colts employ running by committee, and work both guys in and out to get them going. It did look like Brown got better as he ran more, which is something to think about.  With a rookie quarterback, Andrew Luck, could he look to hand off more? The Colts haven't been a running team in the past decade, so maybe this is the year things even up more, and this offense can be versatile in running and passing.  Should be a good year to see what Donald Brown and Delone Carter can do.

On the Sidelines 40

On the Sidelines 40

Talking up Peyton Manning and where he's headed. Also other dominos fall because of that. Talking up the Indiana Pacers and their week so far. They play tonight in the finale of back to back to back. Finishing up talking up NCAA Tourney scores and highlights.
NFL News
Manning to the Broncos

Indiana Pacers News
Pacers Pick up a Win against Clippers
Pacers Stun the Wizards
Suns Run By the Pacers
Preview of Bucks and Pacers

College Basketball News
CBS College Basketball Page

Happy Trails Mr. Foster!

What better way to pay homage to Mr. Jeff Foster than with a montage??

Fact or Fiction concerning NBA Eastern Conference Playoffs

I borrowed some fact or fiction from ESPN and their round table debate to answer myself.


1. Fact or Fiction: The Bulls will finish with the East's best record.

This is a tough one because the Bulls and Heat might as well be 1 and 1A.  It's a close tight race between the teams, and I can't imagine either one dropping out of the first or second spots.  Chicago has a three game lead in the East right now, and their schedule looks favorable down the stretch, so I will say FACT that Chicago finishes the season with the best record in the East.

2. Fact or Fiction: Chicago and Miami are the only East teams with a shot at the Finals.

I want to say fiction because I want to believe the Pacers can get it together and make a run at the Finals, but if it goes through Miami that's going to be roughly. I feel better about the chances of a Pacers upset against the Bulls.  But the East is dominated by Chicago and Miami, so I have to begrudgingly state FACT that Miami and Chicago are the only teams with a shot at the Finals, unless something crazy happens.  So maybe that makes it fact with a chance of fiction.

3. Fact or Fiction: The Celtics will make the playoffs.

Fact as I see the Celtics sitting in seventh place with a small lead, but the veterans of that team, and the way they are coached will push them to stay in the playoff hunt.

4. Fact or Fiction: The Bucks will make the playoffs.

This is fiction because of my answer to the next statement, which is the Knicks will make the playoffs. I can't see the Bucks putting it together down the stretch, and see them stumbling at some point to drop out of the picture.

5. Fact or Fiction: The Knicks will make the playoffs.

Fact, especially after the way they handled the Pacers. I can see this Knicks team getting defensively put together, and their offense does enough to win games, therefore, they can put this team together to make a run at the playoffs and sneak into one of those bottom spots.

Peyton Manning Wants to be in the Mile High...Stadium

So that's that, Peyton Manning goes to Denver or will be going to Denver.  Tim Tebow looks to exit stage left, and fans of him in Indiana will be watching all Broncos games from here on out.  Nothing more to say, right?  I am a bit surprised he choose Denver as I was leaning towards Tennesse.  Think about how beloved he is in that state, and just imagine the merchandise sales of his Titans jersey.  Heck I am sure people still wear his college jersey just because they love him that much.


How about going to San Francisco, where they were just a few plays away from a Super Bowl??  And think about what the 49ers do now.  Do they tell Alex Smith "hey sorry about that, we want you to come back."  Is that like dating around only to get exclusive with some girl after some other girl turns you down?  Maybe not the best metaphor, but it makes sense.  


What does Miami do now if Alex Smith goes back to the 49ers?  They didn't make a move for Matt Flynn, even though the head coach of Miami has worked a lot with him.  That might say more about the ability of Matt Flynn.  That might be saying, he's not really that good, and probably not worth it.  Miami now probably drafts a guy and starts him right away.  Throw him to the fire, and see what he's got.


Funny, how one move can influence three or four other moves?  It's like dominoes after all, and the final domino is just about ready to topple over.

On the Sidelines 39- March Madness Has Begun

On the Sidelines 39

Since it's all about the NCAA Tourney right now, this is a special edition that will feature talking about all the action that's been happening.  Day One didn't bring much drama and excitement, but Day Two brought some surprises along the way.  Back next week with the regular programming.

NCAA Tourney Reactions: Day One

It's finally here.  A time to sit back and watch basketball games from noon until midnight.  Games that can end in exciting finishes or games that can get out of hand and end in a rout. I was remiscining about the tournament while watching the games, and thinking about when there was only CBS who aired a game.  You would have to wait around for a cut in and you got excited because usually those were the "Shining Moment" games.

There wasn't much in the upset department yesterday and some of the day was just boring.  For me, the standout game, and one that I watched the second half of was Wichita State and VCU.  Here's VCU coming off their Final Four run of last year to pull the old 12 beating 5 game.  They looked in control most of that second half and end up winning the game to move on.  They will play IU, who handled New Mexico State late in the evening.

Kentucky ran all over Western Kentucy, and showed they're definitely the top team of the tourney.  But Syracuse, a fellow #1, had to fight till the end against UNC Asheville.  Some bad calls went in Syracuse's favor, and Asheville couldn't get it together at the end.

How about Wisconsin allowing just 49 points by Montana?  And putting up 73 points of their own to put that game away?  Marquette won by 20 against BYU.  Vandy finally gets out of the first round after taking out a Sweet Sixteen of mine in Harvard.

I also lost UNLV who got beat by Colorado, who used a conference tournament to build momentum towards this one.

But overall, yesterday had a few upsets, but nothing that got you going.  I hope that today brings some of that excitement. Usually these first rounds are where that happens, and then you settle in to see what favorites will keep going.

Is it resigning or is it not getting fired?

Reading the news about Mike D'Antoni "resigning" makes me wonder if he really did want to resign or did he not want to get fired.  Usually in this type of case it's the team not wanting to fire the coach.  And this brings up another point does the team side with the players of a team or the coach of a team, and in this one, you can see that the players won.  In basketball, it's such a players league that it doesn't surprise me anymore when a coach gets the out first.

Sure in some instances, like Jim O'Brien and the Pacers, that a coaching change was due.  But how convenient that D'Antoni resigns after hearing reports that Carmelo Anthony had issues with him, and there was talk he might be leaving.  It doesn't take a genius to figure out what happened here.  The coach gets the boot and the player gets his way.

I'm glad the only coaching I've ever done was with a fifth grade basketball team. I don't know how some of these guys can do it with these millionaires, who want everything their way.  A player wants to be traded, he gets traded.  A player wants some teammate on his team, he gets that guy.  A player wants a coach fired that coach gets fired.  You'd have to have some thick skin to make it in this league.  It's amazing to think that someone like Jerry Sloan coached the Utah Jazz for over 20 years, and even he had to "resign" at the end of his coaching career.  He actually became the longest tenured coach for one team in all of sports.

"After Tom Kelly stepped down as manager of the Minnesota Twins in Major League Baseball in 2001, Sloan became the longest-tenured head coach in American major league sports with their current franchise. He resigned on February 10, 2011."

Coaches in this league really can't seem to coach anymore.  But more manage the personalities on the team.  That's why I am never surprised a college coach can't make that leap from college to the pros.  Think about how different the game is and how different the players are.  You have guys coming out of high school to coach at the college level. But at the pro level, you have guys with one year or more than ten years of playing experience making more people than most people see in a lifetime.  And just look at all the different characters to stop through the NBA, it's amazing coaches last as long as they do.

Selection Sunday- What is your NCAA Tourney Memory??

Well it's finally here!  One of the best days of the year as the NCAA makes their field of 68 come together for one of the best times of the year March Madness. A time where people are desperately checking their brackets this coming weekend to make sure their final picks are still alive.  A time where people are having games in the background while they are trying to work.  A time where teams can created moments that will always be around for us to remember years later.

For me being a Butler Bulldog fan, there have been two wonderful years of tournament runs that will not be recreated this year.  Butler came on at the end, but couldn't get their run in the Horizon League Tourney and will be going to some other post season tourney that no one will care about.

But I can take this moment and present my favorite moment tourney.  Two years ago, Butler went on a run to make it to the tourney.  There, they made their way through the rounds and had a shot to get to the farthest point they had been to, which was the Elite Eight.  Butler had made some Sweet Sixteen runs, but couldn't get past that round.

So who was waiting for Butler to advance only the number one seed, Syracuse.  Butler went on to beat Syracuse, and then defeated number two seed Kansas State to make it to the Final Four.  And where was the Final Four at that year?  Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, which was the home of Butler.  The first team a team went to play a Final Four in their hometown.  Talk about an environment.  That was such an exciting few days.

I remember people all had Butler shirts and Butler gear.  Everyone adopted them as their team, and Butler embraced that.  This was a group of players that some people said would lose the first round game, and here they were fighting in the Final Four.  Who did they beat in the Final Four to get to the championship game?  Michigan State, another team that always seems to be there at the end.  With that way, I had so much faith going into the final game thinking Butler could do this.  Who was standing in the way there in the final game?  Duke, a team that everyone loves to hate.  Duke, the team that just always seems to be around at the end as well.  Duke, a team that had won four championships before wrapping that fifth one that night.

This was a back and forth game that even say Butler hit a point of not scoring for way too long.  There were moments that Butler could have taken a lead and really got this game in another direction, but they couldn't finish against some big men of Duke.  But there was the final moment, where Butler had a shot that just missed, and that's the moment that will always be remembered.  I still hate to watch this moment, but I still love to watch this moment.

On the Sidelines 38

On the Sidelines 38

Well the Colts cut everyone, but the kitchen sink this week.  The Pacers lost two games and have two more this weekend to play.  Can they get one win in their trip to Florida?  Butler won't be dancing in the big dance this year, but might go to a small dance club.

Indianapolis Colts News
Should We Start Peytoning?
Colts Make Roster Moves

Indiana Pacers News
NBA Standings

Pacers Miss a Chance on Monday night
Pacers Lose Another One
Indiana Pacers and Miami Heat Battle it Out Tonight

Butler Bulldog News
No March Magic for Butler

Should we start Peytoning?

Oh the ways to go with this blog post.  Talk about who was right or what way this should have gone down, but there's no denying Peyton Manning was the face of a franchise, city, and state of Indiana that he will be always remembered for his time here.  What good times he has left? Giving the Colts a championship.  Beating the Patriots after struggling so much against them.  Throwing all those touchdowns throughout his 14 years with the Colts.  Giving his name to a hospital.  Just being a member of the city and doing what he could for it.  Those are things that Manning will be remembered for.

But what about on the field?  Is there a moment that stands out above the rest?  Do you have a favorite memory of Manning and that's how you will always remember him even when he's in another uniform this coming season?

If you want to truly get a feel for how great he was, just look at his stats and all those things that made him the great quarterback.  But what memory will stick out in my mind?  Is it this one?



The Colts came back in this remarkable AFC Championship game against who else, the New England Patriots. They were down by 21 at one point, and were able to come back to win, and was there any doubt that the Colts would win that Super Bowl, which brings up the next highlight.



Winning the Super Bowl and finally getting the monkey off the back had to feel great for Manning.



How about going way back and checking out Manning's first game against the Dolpins? And look who was the opposing quarterback...Dan Marino. A guy who Manning has always been compared to. Hard to believe that was Manning's first game.



Can't find video of all the highlights...but how about the comeback against Tampa Bay? Or all those touchdown passes against the Saints? Or the touchdown that broke the passing td record, which got broke by Brady? Or all the comebacks that Manning engineered? So many memories, and all the thoughts about what Manning means come flowing back. Here's a memory: Peyton Manning pass incomplete short right intended for Blair White. That's the last throw of Manning's career as a Colt. Still hard to believe.

No March Magic for Butler

Well it was a fun two year ride in the NCAA Tourney, but Butler won't be part of that madness this year.  Hard to believe after getting to back to back National Championship games that this team won't be there.  They got handled in their game against Valparaiso against that same Valpo team that had beat Butler twice already.

There are other postseason tourneys that Butler might be a part of, but let's admit it no one cares about those.  This team might be good to get experience playing in those, but fans won't really worry about where they go in that.

This was a team that struggled to score all night against Valpo, and especially in the paint as the big men of Butler (Andrew Smith, Khyle Marshall, and Roosevelt Jones) combined for four points.  Andrew Smith had zero points, and definitely got pushed around there on the block.  But keep an eye on Roosevelt Jones.  He is a freshman this year, who won newcomer of the year for the Horizon League, and should be a big focus for Butler next year. I expect big things from him in the coming years.

So this team will go home and wait to see if they are playing somewhere else, but this season was definitely an up and down year.  It started out with that brutal non conference schedule that had one conference game in there that Butler lost...to Valpo.  So going into conference play, Butler was sitting at 6-7 with a win against Stanford and then three wins to start off the conference season.

But it seemed that there would be a few wins, then a couple of losses, a few wins, and a loss.  Just not consistent enough to vie for the league title as Butler finished in fifth place, when they had a chance on the last game of the regular season to clinch up second place, and earn that double bye.

Who knows if that would have helped this team or not?  That Valpo team would have been tough to play in my mind anywhere Butler played them.  They just had their number this year.  Butler struggled on the offensive side of the ball at times, and that was what did them in their losses this year.

Hopefully, the shooting touch will come back around next year.  Guys will be more comfortable playing.  Roles can be defined more.  That experience of playing a year will help the freshman.  There's some talent coming in that can perform way.  Butler will be back playing in March.  Just have to sit out this year, and find another team to root for.  But man what a couple of years it has been!

On the Sidelines 37

On the Sidelines 37

What happened this week in local sport news for Indy?  Some video showed up of Peyton Manning throwing from Duke University.  The Pacers played a game and won.  They play tonight in what should be a win.  The Butler Bulldogs kept their season alive with a win last night, and a win tonight keeps it going.  

Indianapolis Colts News
Peyton Manning Throwing it around?

Indiana Pacers News
Five Golden Wins
Preview of Indiana Pacers and New Orleans Hornets
March Madness for the Pacers

Butler Bulldogs News
Game Recap: Butler 71 Milwaukee 49

Win or Go Home for the Butler Bulldogs

Well it all comes down to tomorrow night for Butler.  Not exactly the season they envisioned for this year, but it's hard to stay on top when you lose important parts along the way.  This season of the Bulldogs has been all about the young talent that's there, and some of the older guys trying to step up to lead this team.  It's been an up and down road that really hit hard in the beginning of this season.

But it all comes down to this Horizon League Tourney. Butler can get hot and win this league tourney to advance to the Big Dance, where the past two years have been amazing.  If Butler would be able to make a run to the tourney, that might be amazing enough since this will be a tough road alone.  Butler gets a home date tomorrow night with Wright State, but then that could be the last home date as Butler is at its lowest seed of this tourney in five years sitting in fifth place.

Tough hill to climb, but last year saw UCONN ride a league tourney win into the NCAA tourney and end up as champion against what team...oh yea the Butler Bulldogs. Can this be the Butler Way again?

On the Sidelines 36

On the Sidelines 36

Indianapolis Colts News
Luck in Indianapolis

Indiana Pacers News
Pacers First Half Recap
Paul George All-Star Debut

Butler Bulldogs News
Get Ready for Tuesday

Good Things Come in Three's

What a day in the NBA yesterday as there were three major things that jumped out to my eyes.

1.  The Heat are rolling along, and while that's not the best thing, there's no denying that they are looking more and more dominant. I believe they're on a winning streak that's been all on the road and has been all by double digits.  That's a pretty scary thought.  Of course this Heat team was dominant at times last season, and well they couldn't finish the job.  So maybe they will implode in the playoffs, and maybe Lebron won't show since that's happened before in the playoffs.

2.  The Thunder had some ridiculous stat lines yesterday night.  First off, let's look at Serge Ibaka had a triple double of 14 points, 15 rebounds, and 11 blocks.  That's right 11 blocks by himself, just to put that in perspective the Pacers TEAM yesterday had that many as a TEAM.  To me that stat line might be more impressive than Kevin Durant scoring 51 points and Russell Westbrook scoring 40, which is impressive enough. I believe I heard that Ibaka has had three games with over 10 blocks.  He's a defensive presence that guys won't be coming down the lane anymore.  But then you had Durant scoring his career high of 51 points and Westbrook gets overshadowed with his 40 points.  Another team that's looking to be very dominant is this Thunder team, even though this game went in overtime, and that pairing accounted for 91 of the Thunder's 122 points.

3.  Linsanity keeps moving along.  Now, I'm not trying to get on this bandwagon, but there's no denying that Jeremy Lin is becoming a great story for the NBA.  Through his first career eight games, he's off one the point total that Michael Jordan had. Believe it or not, Lin has the second highest point total through his first career eight games than anyone else in the NBA, but Jordan.  Pretty high company there.  Of course we have to see how it all plays out, I don't think Lin will end up near Jordan by any means, but for now, I am sitting back and enjoying this ride he's having. For me, the biggest thing about it is the fact that he was almost cut, and now look at what he's doing.  He's really making the Knicks a complete team.  But so much media on it is going to be tiresome, and I think things need to be done in moderation.

On the Sidelines 35- Catch me at AlwaysMillerTime.com

On the Sidelines 35

This week's episode features the ever exciting Peyton Manning and Jim Irsay Saga, the Pacers hit a fun, I got a new position, Lebron speaks on return to old team, and the Butler Bulldogs hit the end of their season.

Indianapolis Colts News
When is the Saga Over?

Indiana Pacers News
http://alwaysmillertime.com/
Third Loss in a Row
Lebron Open to Cleveland?
NBA Standings

Butler Bulldogs News
Butler Bulldogs Clubhouse on ESPN
Horizon League Standings

Lebron open to a return to Cleveland????

So Lebron James is open to the idea of returning to Cleveland? Which if you really think about this statement, it makes sense for him to say that.  I mean what else would Lebron say?

All along, he wants to be loved by fans, and he wants to be the best player he can be, so what better way to turn this tide than to say oh yea I could return to Cleveland if the fans will take me back?  I think there's not much of hatred as there was anyways since Miami lost last year. If Miami wins last year, then there's no way he's making this statement.

Leads me to another thought that Lebron might as well return to Cleveland is Miami doesn't win it this year or next year. I mean why keep chasing after the title, and just go finish the career where you started?  To me, that would mend the bridge a bit, and maybe show that Lebron isn't a bad guy, which I think he isn't anyways.  He's looked at as a bad guy with the whole way he left, but who knows how much of that was his "decision" to have that tv special and what not?

And of course, this ultimately means nothing other than a discussion point since who knows the future holds for James? But Lebron is obviously wanting to be on the good side of fans, especially back in his home of Ohio, so this might be a step in that direction.

Third Loss in a Row for the Pacers

Where is that Pacers team that was rolling along and taking care of business?  They've hit a rough spot here, and it won't get any easier on Tuesday night when the Miami Heat visit town for a Valentines Day game.  Will there be love in the air for the Pacers?  Last night, they just got outplayed after giving up that 13 point lead, and never seemed to get going in the past three games.  Danny Granger had 18 points in the first quarter and finished only with 26 points.  I will say I predicted he would score 24 points, so kudos to me for almost getting that right!  But overall, the team had to scramble to make it interesting after getting down by 12 in the fourth quarter, and end up losing by 4 points 113-109.  These teams know how to put up the points when they meet as I believe I heard they average over 110 points each when playing.  It was a throwback game with the throwback uniforms on.  The Pacers let guys like Ty Lawson and Corey Brewer score at will as they each put up 27 points and 19 points respectively.  Time for the Pacers to get back to doing what they were doing, and what better time to do it then Tuesday night against the Heat.  Show that this Eastern Conference isn't all about the Bulls and the Heat.  Time to get back to playing smash mouth basketball and finding that open man.

On the Sidelines 34- Tough Stretch for the Pacers

On the Sidelines 34

Sticking to the usual discussions about the Indianapolis Colts, who had a quiet week with no news about the Peyton Manning situation, then jumping into the tough stretch for the Indiana Pacers and where they stand in the standings, and finishing up with some Butler Bulldogs talk. 

Indianapolis Colts News
Peyton Manning and Jim Irsay: When is the Saga Over?

Indiana Pacers News
Pacers Beat the Jazz Tuesday Night
Pacers Lose to the Hawks
Roy Hibbert Makes All Star Reserves
Pacers on Losing Streak After Falling to Grizzlies

NBA News
NBA Standings

Butler Bulldogs News
Butler Beats Youngstown State
Horizon League Standings

It Comes Full Circle for Mr. Hibbert

After a year of trying to get his head right, it looks like Roy Hibbert is finally making that stride towards the type of player Pacer fans thought he would be.  He just got that acknowledgement by the league as well in his first of what will hopefully be more All Star Selection.  He was picked to be a reserve on the team, which is a great statement to what turnaround Hibbert has had.  He is the type of player who needs that confidence to get going, and when he gets going, he's hard to be stopped. He has such a soft touch to his game I am surprised the ball makes it to the basket half the time.  But he really has improved his game on the low block, and can turn to face the basket or turn away for little hook shot.  It's amazing to think that last season he was laying on a couch asking a shrink to him help get his mind right, and now look at him.  He's definitely a big part of this Pacers team.  He brings a fun energy to the team that fans can get behind, especially with the fact that he has his own section, Area 55, at Bankers Life Fieldhouse.  Like I've been telling people all along, the time is now to support this Pacers team, and having an All Star on there should help out.

Butler Takes out the Penguins of Youngstown State: 68-59

Chrishawn Hopkins stepped up his game scoring 19 points for the Bulldogs as they got a good win, and have some shred of hope to climb into the Horizon League Standings.  Still going to be a tough fight, but after seeing Cleveland State, the league leader, fall, there's an outside shot with a couple of wins and a couple of losses by the top teams this Horizon League Race could get interesting. But just like always, it's one game at a time.  And what a game was had by the young pups on this Butler team.  Jackson Aldridge and Roosevelt Jones, two freshmen, put up 15 points and 11 points.  Ronald Nored, the small point guard on the team, had 11 rebounds.  He has tried to do all he can in all areas of his game for this team.  He is one of the few if only senior on the team, so he's been a part of the past two Final Four runs, and I am sure would love to do that again.  But it's going to be a rough climb for this team.  The Butler Way could make an appearance and maybe this team works its magic in the Horizon League Tourney to get the automatic bid.  Then all bets are off at the Big Dance.

Playing Atlanta at home is the Pacers Kryptonite

Another loss for the Pacers on the road at Atlanta. That marks nine times the Pacers have lost there.  Nine times.  In a season where you need all the wins you can get, the Pacers needed that win.  To get off the losing streak in Atlanta, and to keep momentum going.  The past couple of weeks the Pacers have been a bit up and down.  At home the night before, the Pacers were up by twenty one at one point, and last night's game they were down by twenty one.  They tried to make it close getting the lead down to eight points, but it's just so tough to come back when you're down that much, and especially playing the night before.  Danny Granger put up twenty one points in the loss.  But nothing else highlighted this game.  The Pacers will travel to Memphis to play Friday night, and hopefully will get a win there to get moving back in the right direction.

First Win of 7 games in 9 nights for the Pacers

Well after a week of five games last week, the Pacers are off running into this week as they hit game one last night of seven games over the next nine nights. Getting a win last night did not come easy even after being up 21 points. I was at the game, and never realized it got as high as that much. I knew we were up 17 at some point, and never thought that we were up even more.  Tough to put that game away, but the Pacers did get the job done.  Danny Granger finally woke up, which I read about, and found out that he took some sleeping medication the night before that didn't wear off.  It wore off enough for Granger to get the job done in the fourth quarter when the Pacers needed him, and possibly helped his case for an All Star bid.  That probably won't happen, but still hard to look best him as the best player right now on one of the top teams in the East.  Roy Hibbert was definitely pulling on his shorts towards the end of the game, and I couldn't put my finger on what was wrong with him.  With Hibbert, he's always full of energy the whole game, but he ended up not making it down the court some of the game, and I hope that's nothing major.  Darren Collison was let loose, and boy did he take advantage of that. It was almost lay up drills at time as he got his best scoring of the season with 25 points.  Paul George was doing what he could do to help the team, and hit some three pointers as he is really improving that part of his game.  Just an all around great effort from the team as they were able to get the job done at the end.  Hibbert said it best as he stated that last year they would have lost that game.  That shows the great coaching job Frank Vogel is doing as he shows how much he believes in this team, and I will end this post as I've been ending a lot of my Pacers post: It's time for the FANS to believe in this team.

Peyton and Irsay: When is the Saga Over?

When does this whole thing actually end?  I mean I guess you can only talk so much about it, and sit back to let it go on its own terms.  But what a weird ride for it.  And I think if you would have told me when Manning first was drafted that there was a possibility he wouldn't finish his career here, I would have laughed in your first.  But now it's leaning towards that and what a bad thing.  Indianapolis got lucky we had Reggie Miller stay his whole career with the Pacers, and here we could have Manning play his whole career with the Colts. How many cities could say something like that?  Two legends, hall of famers, ambassadors for the city, and whatever other adjective you want to attach, going out with the teams they came into.  That would be quite the story line in my own eyes, and I am sure one that could be brought up if it is going to happen.  Even if Manning is not a Colt, that is all we will remember him by.  It's like the comparison of Montana, does anyone truly remember his days with the Chiefs? Reading an article today Manning, Colts Should Work it Out really brought all of this to light for me. I knew that Montana left the 49ers and Steve Young took over, but was too young to understand why it actually happened. Guys like that, you keep, no matter what the price. I know that's definitely the fan speaking out in me, but what else am I? In the long run, anyone involved with sports is a fan of some team and some player.  No one wants to think about the long term goals and the idea that sports is ultimately a business.  We want our teams to win, players to stay there, players to get their status, and then those same players to ride off in the sunset on their own terms.  Then we celebrate the great careers of those guys with our teams.  Just think if this all does work out, and Manning can stay a Colt, retire in whatever year, and the celebration that would follow.  Remember the Reggie Miller one, where there wasn't a dry eye in the house, this one would be even bigger because Peyton did get that championship that eluded Reggie.  So like Gene Wojciechowski said in his article as the last lines, and one that every Colts fan should state:

"If healthy, Manning belongs in one place in 2012.

In Indianapolis. In Colts blue and white. The succession plan can wait."

Super Bowl- Giants Win

The Big Game

That's about how I feel after last night's game. I felt it was just anti-climatic.  You look at the game winning touchdown, and Ahmad Bradshaw almost didn't go in and wanted to kneel it to run out more clock, so it just felt off.  The catch by Mario Manningham will be talked about more because it kept the drive alive, as did David Tyree's catch back in 2007. But we did get some history in the game.  Eli Manning went 9-9 in the beginning, which is a record for best start to a game.  Then Tom Brady threw 14 or 15 completed passes in a row, which is a new record.  Just not a lot of big plays to this game. Almost more of a grind it out, and get whatever score you can type win for the Giants. I expected the Giants to win, so that could be partly why I felt blah after it. I think too I didn't have a big invested interest in this one.  So we can talk about all the other stuff, like the prop bests, and that horrible halftime show.

Halftime Show

This was just bad.  Granted, I'm not a Madonna fan, but hey I enjoy her early early songs. They're catchy and fun.  But she looked bad out there, and I wish she would have fallen on her face as she tripped up during her set.  That new single of hers is garbage, and surely people don't believe that is a good song.  Not even close to good.  MIA threw the bird, but I missed that, so no excitement there.  Cee- Lo Green was out there, but did he do anything than look like a preacher.  LMFAO were out there, and sang what a verse or two and danced.  There was some cool graphics going, but other than that, halftime was nothing. 





On to the Bets     

How Many Times Will Peyton Manning Be Shown On Television During The Game?
Obviously this is something to think about as it's in Peyton's house. And his brother is in the Super Bowl. The whole family will be there. I'll go over four times Peyton is shown on tv. And possibly talked to once.

I don't know if Manning was even there.  There was the shot of the family up in some suite, but Manning did not show up on camera once, which surprised me a bit.  Maybe he had to stay home and take care of the twins.


How Many Times Will David Tyree's Catch Be Shown During The Game?
We all remember this catch as it was right on his helmet and at a crucial time. Now for this one, I think if the Giants are threatening to score, the odds go up this will be shown a few times. But if it's a Patriots blowout, I bet this doesn't get shown at all. I will say over two times this catch shows up.

This was once right after the Mario Manningham catch.


What Will The Color Of Gatorade Be During The Gatorade Bath?
People really bet on this??? Tell me they don't bet on this. I'm going to say clear, don't want to get the coach all weird looking with some red or blue gatorade. Even though those taste the best.

Purple, I wouldn't have thought about purple.


How long will it take Kelly Clarkson to sing the national anthem? (over/under 1:34)
I am going over and probably right at two minutes. She tends to belt out things longer than they need to.

Looked like this was right at the 1:34 mark, so wrong on this one. I thought with kids singing as well this could have been drawn out.


How about what songs will Madonna "sing" at halftime?
I'm going to say Music, Vogue, and her new single. 

Hey I was right, except I hadn't thought about Like a Prayer.  


Who will be the MVP?
Eli if the Giants win. Brady if the Pats win.

I was right!


Coin Toss?
Heads.

I don't even remember what this was. I know there was a stat that the NFC had got 14 in a row for the coin toss, but the Pats got this one.


Which team scores first?
Giants with a field goal.

A safety??? I wouldn't have thought that a safety would be the first score of a game. I did see some guy bet 1,000 bucks on that, and won $50,000.  Good for him.


Which team scores last?
Giants with a field goal to win or go up in the game.

Partly right because the Giants did score to go up, but it was a touchdown, and not a field goal.


Which team wins?
Giants in a nail biter just like 2007.

Giants win! And I can't find any good Little Giants clip to show here, but just think of that scene where the wife of the other team was chanting "Giants, Giants, Giants!"

Super Bowl Prop Bets

Admit it you don't care about the Super Bowl, you just want to bet on all the side stuff.  Here I present some of my favorite ones as I've been researching this aspect of the Super Bowl.



How Many Times Will Peyton Manning Be Shown On Television During The Game?

Obviously this is something to think about as it's in Peyton's house.  And his brother is in the Super Bowl. The whole family will be there. I'll go over four times Peyton is shown on tv.  And possibly talked to once.

How Many Times Will David Tyree's Catch Be Shown During The Game?

We all remember this catch as it was right on his helmet and at a crucial time.  Now for this one, I think if the Giants are threatening to score, the odds go up this will be shown a few times.  But if it's a Patriots blowout, I bet this doesn't get shown at all.  I will say over two times this catch shows up.

What Will The Color Of Gatorade Be During The Gatorade Bath?

People really bet on this??? Tell me they don't bet on this. I'm going to say clear, don't want to get the coach all weird looking with some red or blue gatorade. Even though those taste the best.

How long will it take Kelly Clarkson to sing the national anthem? (over/under 1:34)

I am going over and probably right at two minutes.  She tends to belt out things longer than they need to.

How about what songs will Madonna "sing" at halftime?

I'm going to say Music, Vogue, and her new single.  

Who will be the MVP?

Eli if the Giants win.  Brady if the Pats win.

Coin Toss?

Heads.

Which team scores first?

Giants with a field goal.

Which team scores last?

Giants with a field goal to win or go up in the game.

Which team wins?

Giants in a nail biter just like 2007.

Butler and the Pacers both fall last night

Bad night for the teams here in Indianapolis as the Pacers fall to the Magic and the Butler Bulldogs fall to the Detroit Titans.

Indiana Pacers
How do you explain that the Pacers lose twice to the Magic both times at home?  Granted this was a back to back, and the Pacers played a tough game against the Mavericks the night before.  But it's just hard to figure out.  From the sounds of the game, this felt like one neither team wanted to win though.  The Pacers tried to make it interesting there at the end as they furiously came back from twelve down.  This seems to be the type of team that can make those runs to at least try to get back in the game, but they can't always finish that.  The offense sputters a bit at times too and those stretches are just bad to watch.  Things got a bit chippy in this one as well as a pair of double technical fouls, which lead to an ejection of Quentin Richardson. Looks like the Pacers reputation might be spreading around the league.  Doesn't surprise me that Danny Granger would be jawing away with someone, he tends to get frustrated when his game isn't going well, and that's what happened last night.  So these teams will meet again one final team in March, and it's at Orlando, which I will predict is going to be a Pacers win as the road team has won each time.

Butler Bulldogs
The fact that I couldn't even find an ESPN recap of this game goes to show how far down Butler has fallen. Just think two years in a row of making it to the National Championship game, and now this team might not even sniff the NCAA Tourney. It's going to take a run in their own league tourney to make it there and that's going to be rough as Butler is in the lower half of the Horizon League.  This loss puts them at 13-12 overall, 7-6 in the Horizon right around fifth place three games out of first.  Those top two spots are so important to earn, but I don't think Butler will be around there.  Just gotta finish this season strong, and do what they can in the league tourney.  This is another team that goes through those tough stretches of bad offense.  The defense can lock down and try to get some offense going.  But guys just can't seem to make baskets when they need to.  And they have guys like Andrew Smith who should be more aggressive about scoring.  But he dishes it out or waits too long to take it to the basket.  Chrishawn Hopkins had a great start to the season and then dropped off mightily as well.  Just hard to find the guy who can take this team on his back and get them going.   I like to think Roosevelt Jones can be that guy and maybe he starts it now because he has stepped up his game and he's only a freshman.  Just a rough season for the Bulldogs, but who knows what kind of magic they can find here in the final games.

On the Sidelines 33- Can the Pacers have a perfect week?

On the Sidelines 33

What a week that was for the Indiana Pacers.  So far they are perfect this week with a game to go tonight against the Orlando Magic at home.  Win tonight, and they will be 5-0 this week.  Jim Irsay and Peyton Manning take over the Super Bowl as this saga continues to get worse.  There's a Super Bowl tomorrow, and I give out my prediction on that.  The Butler Bulldogs need a win today and the rest of their season to get some momentum for the Horizon League Tourney and sneak into the Big Dance.  Action packed just the way I like my sports weekend.

Indianapolis Colts News
Manning Vs. Irsay

NFL News
Super Bowl Stuff
ESPN Super Bowl Picks

Indiana Pacers News
Pacers Beat the Nets
Pacers Beat Minnesota
ESPN Recap Mavs and Pacers

NBA News
Standings

Butler Bulldogs
Butler Gets Past Wright State
Horizon League Standings

Butler Gets a Win

Butler took care of business last night as they put away the Wright State Raiders, and left a sliver of hope that the Bulldogs could at least climb into the second place spot, and take a bye in the Horizon League Tourney.  Three guys had double figures in scoring for the Bulldogs, as Chrishawn Hopkins lead the way with 13 points.  Andrew Smith had 11 points and Erik Fromm had 10 points. I  think Hopkins and Smith need to pick up their scoring for the Bulldogs to have a chance these last seven games, and in the league tourney.  Those are two guys that can score when they want to, and need to be more aggressive for points.  Roosevelt Jones came up big on the boards grabbing 11 rebounds. He's definitely be a catalyst for most of this season. I'm looking for big things from him the rest of his Butler career.  This team has had an up and down season, but that could have been expected after losing so many key guys from last year's team. This is a young squad, but one that looks full of fight.  Just need to get that confidence going in the beginning of the game, and things will be fine for this team.  Seven more games left to show the Butler way, and then hope for some magic in the postseason tournament.

Let the Wins Keep Coming

Another win for the Pacers as they took care of business up in the state of Minnesota.  Apparently, you don't want to anger Danny Granger as he went for 36 points, with 29 of those points in the second half. A little skirmish with Kevin Love got things going even more for Granger.  Love mentioned he doesn't like the Pacers at all, and thought they were a soft team. I've seen this team play, and they're definitely not a soft team.  Love is realizing that as well, and so have the Bulls.  So add two teams now that have disdain for the Pacers, and that tells me they are doing something right. If you're not getting "love" from teams for playing hard, then you're playing the smash mouth basketball this Pacers team needs to do. They will get another test tomorrow night against the defending champions in the Dallas Mavericks.  This is obviously not the same Mavs team that won last year, but still a tough team to play.  If the Pacers can pick up the win, that would be 4-0 this week with a game at home against yet again the Orlando Magic.  We've played them two times already and split the first two games with a home loss by 19, but a road win by 21.  Explain that to me, but with this shortened season, it's going to be full of those type of occurrences.

Pacers Beat the Nets, but Lose George Hill

This was a game I didn't think would be as close as it was.  But maybe it was one of those the Pacers just played down to the competition, and hopefully we won't see that again.  The beginning of the game the Pacers were very flat, and couldn't seem to do anything.  Then things started turning around the team was up at halftime.  They even built an 18 point lead, but the Nets were scrappy and tried to make it interesting down the stretch.  Play of the game goes to a diving Danny Granger as he soared out of bounds to save a ball and keep a Pacers possession alive at the end.  Dunk of the night goes to Paul George who had a ridiculous backwards dunk that looked like Jordan out there.  Low light of the night goes to the chip fracture in George Hill's ankle.  It didn't look good at all as he was laying on the ground and pounding away.  Really tough to see him go, but hopefully there's some sort of time table for his return as it sits now he's out indefinitely, and no one likes that term.  But this goes into my surprise of the night and that's Lance Stephenson.  Anyone who has talked to me about the Pacers know I've been very down on him, but after last night and seeing the plays he was making, I am starting to turn around. I think someone is in his ear about growing up and becoming this great player that Bird has talked about.  And I think that is Bird himself. I wouldn't be surprised at all if Bird sat down with him and talked out everything.  Also noticing that coach Frank Vogel when he brought out Lance went right over and said somethings to him. Just those little things can help get Lance in that right frame of mind.  With George Hill's injury, I can see Lance getting more playing time, and it would be in his best interest to make the most of that time.  Overall, a win is a win for this Pacers team, and they can build on that experience again that you have to put a team away.

Pacers Wrap Up

Pacers beat the Magic in a game I didn't think they would win, and win going away. It was a tale of two halves as the Pacers were down by 3 at halftime, and just looked out of sync. I didn't watch the rest of the game as I was busying watching the Royal Rumble, but I got game updates, and my brother said after the third quarter Pacers are up 80-68, to which I said no they are not. I didn't think that the way the Pacers finished that first half, there was any way they would turn around and claim a 14 point lead.  Maybe a small lead, and maybe steal a win only being down 3.  But it's a hard game to wrap my head around.  

This week was an up and down one for the Pacers as well, and maybe it's said best when you think this season is just going to be odd from time to time.  I talked about it in the podcast over the weekend, but the Pacers beat the Lakers, Bulls, and now the Magic all on the road to get wins. But lost to that same Magic team at home by 19.  And lost to the Celtics on their home floor after beating that same Celtics team by double digits two times already.  Just a weird week.  This team can turn it on it seems when it needs to, so I say turn it into overdrive and make a push for the division title.  I don't think that's too far out of the realm of thinking as I've seen what this Pacers team can do.  Have your expectations changed for the Pacers as they've shown flashes of being better than we expected?

On the Sidelines 32- Hometown Lovin'

On the Sidelines 32

All Indy sport news in this episode featuring Colts new head coach, Pacers with an up and down win, and Butler fighting to stay alive in the Horizon League.

Indianapolis Colts News

Colts Name Chuck Pagano as New Head Coach

Indiana Pacers News

Pacers Finish Their Trip Out West

Can Pacers Find Their Mojo in Chicago?

Pacers Get Job Done in Chicago

NBA Standings

Butler Bulldogs News

Butler Goes Down Last Night

Butler Goes Down Last Night, But Still Can Turn Things Around.

Another tough loss for the Bulldogs, and the days to getting back to the tourney are shorter.  Right now Butler sits in fourth in the Horizon league with only eight games left to play.  It's not out of the realm to believe Butler could get in one of the top two spots and earn a bye in the league tourney. But winning that league tourney is the only way Butler is making the big dance.  Then who knows what could happen?  We all know how the last two years have gone. But Butler needs to get its offense going better as they only put up 42 points last night in a loss. There aren't many big scorers on the team, so ball movement and finding that open shot is key, but for some reason it hasn't happened that much.  There's work to be done, but I am going to put my faith in the Bulldogs to find a way to make it happen just like they have been doing the past decade.  This might not be the same type of team as the past two years, but there could be something special if things started clicking.  Eight games to get it going.  Eight games to get a winning streak moving.  Eight games left to make a statement.

Pacers Get the Job Done in Chicago: Pacers 95 Chicago 90

Danny Granger looks to score against Corey Brewer

I know it's early to call this a statement game, but this is one that the Pacers needed to win, especially after losing to the Magic the way they did.  Remember this is the Bulls team that knocked the Pacers out of the playoffs last year, when I think the Pacers played them tougher than the Bulls would give credit. "They are just thrilled to get the win here," coach Frank Vogel said. "They were crushed that we didn't beat them last year in the playoffs."  Vogel always has some great quotes coming out of games.  Roy Hibbert continues his surge for the team as he hit for 20 points, and a game clinching dunk at the end.  Danny Granger put up 22 points.  The Pacers shot just at 48%, which is great against the tough defense of Chicago.  They were down double digits at halftime, but came together and got this win. Other than that Magic loss, this has been a good week, starting with the Lakers win and the Warriors one right before that.  And now giving the Bulls their first home loss after the Pacers first home loss has to feel good.  Tough rest of the week as the Pacers travel to Boston and then another game with Orlando.  Pacers have already beat Boston twice, so hopefully another win.  Then a rematch with Orlando where I expect a much better effort, and one that will hopefully get a win.  

So you think you can coach a team?

I've been sitting on this post for the past day or so as I wanted to make sure I had all thoughts about it.  This one is just going to be a little bit out of the ordinary as I look at coaching.  We all like to think we could be coaches in sports, as we sit in our comfy chairs and watch a game and shout at the tv to say hey make that play.  But when it comes down to it, could we really last a day or two as a coach?  I know in my own experience of coaching CYO Youth Basketball for two years, I had the fantastic privilege of coaching my two teams to TWO wins...total in those two years.  Yep I was definitely a great coach.  It works very differently when you're out there trying to tell people what to do versus sitting in the stands shouting out what to do. But what league of the major sports would be the toughest?  I look at each one, and then hopefully get a conclusion about which one is the toughest.

NFL
This one to me is definitely tough because it's all about winning right away, and if you don't win right away, you're gone in a year or two. If that.  Anymore, coaches are lucky to be with one team for three years.  It's amazing to think how long Jeff Fisher was with the Titans.  But you have to manage 53 guys in a physically demanding sport.  Then you manage however many assistant coaches and coordinators you have.  Then you have to talk to reporters right after a game about what you did right or wrong, which happens in every sport, but I can imagine can be very difficult in this since one play can determine a whole game.  And I think finally you don't always get the respect for the job you're doing.

NBA
Now this one to me might be even more demanding because I think of the personalities you have to manage.  With the NBA, it's a players league, and players get their way in the end.  Look at the Kings situation, Demarcus Cousins has beef with the coach, and the coach is gone.  Granted there could have been more than meets the eye, but that didn't help the situation.  But then again in the Pacers situation, those players spoke up for Frank Vogel last year, and I think that did help him get the job.  But still the idea that you're in charge of these 15 or so personalities has to be taxing on the mind and body.  Jerry Sloan coached all those years till it eventually broke him down.  I also think the flow of the game can be tough on a coach. One minute you can be up by 10 points, and the next minute you could be down by 10.  Think of the plays you have to call, and hope that the players will run it to perfection.  Yet again another league where the coaches don't always get their full due. I think this will be a recurring theme.

NHL
Now this whole I don't have much if any experience with as I am not a hockey fan. But I can imagine the tough part is managing those lines of players and determining what players need to be where, and the speed of the game is so fast that you have to think of the fly.  You have to put guys out there that you know can make plays. You have to put the right goalie that you know can stop the shots.  My basic thinking on coaching in the NHL. I am sure there's lots more to the job, but I can't speak on that.

MLB
Each pitch can be a coaching decision.  Luckily you do have other coaches managing a game, but ultimately decisions go to the head coach.  And this might be the one where the coach really puts his faith in his players, you call the pitch you think will get the strike, but that pitcher has to pitch it the right way. You can go for a bunt, and hope that player lays down the bunt.  All kinds of scheming goes into a baseball game.

As you can see all these sports present something different, and all are tough to coach in.  Myself, I think the toughest would be MLB.  With all of those decisions going into a game, and then letting the players go out to do their job, that's got to be a lot on the mind.  I would think that could kill you in the long run.  But overall, I don't envy any coach, and I'll stick to my arm chair coaching for now.

Can the Pacers find their mojo in Chicago tonight?

Well that was a lousy game for the Pacers last night. I really thought they would be able to take care of the Magic even if it came down to a late fourth quarter run.  But they couldn't do anything offensively and defensively Ryan Anderson torched them for 24 points hitting 5 three pointers. I don't even know who Ryan Anderson is, but he beat the Pacers.  The Magic played with a better sense of urgency once Dwight Howard went out early with fouls, and the Pacers didn't have the energy to stay up with them.  They looked very out of sync, and not a good sign for tonight's game against Chicago.  There is one good stat to pull from last night's defeat, the Pacers were perfect from the free throw line, so kids make sure you practice free throws.  Tonight's game should be a good one if the Pacers play like they have and not like last night.  If they play another game like that, this Bulls team will run all over the Pacers.  And it won't be a pretty game at all.

Pacers Look for Magic Tonight Against Orlando

Having completed a great West Coast Trek beating the Warriors and Lakers in the process, the Pacers head tonight back to the friendly confines of Bankers Life Fieldhouse.  Tonight is a great opportunity to keep the ball rolling and get momentum for a huge match up with the Chicago Bulls tomorrow night. Talk about a tough back to back night, and one that will make the Pacers travel to Chicago right after tonight's game.  The schedule isn't doing any favors there.  The Magic will be pretty bitter tonight as well after scoring 56 points in a loss to the Celtics last night.  That's right 56 points.  The Pacers will need to come out swinging and put away the Magic right away. I think the best match up to watch tonight is Roy Hibbert versus Dwight Howard.  In past years, I think Hibbert lacked that confidence to go against a tougher opponent, and I expect tonight to be the opposite.  After coming back to play in Los Angeles and sporting a bunch of cotton stuffed up his nose, Hibbert showed so much more toughness than we have seen.  He put up 18 points to really lead the way in more ways than one for the Pacers.  The key tonight will be to give the ball to Hibbert early, and get his confidence going if he can score a few baskets right away on Howard. That seems to be the way Hibbert goes, if he can get going, it will be a good night for him.  This team can show so much in these two games in my mind since we are almost to the quarter point of the season.  Things will really start picking up soon, and it's important to get wins now.

Pacers Finish Their Trip Out West

Stuffing the basket just like his nose

And what a way to finish this short trek out west with a good win over the Lakers.  Roy Hibbert showed how badly he wanted to play and win this game as he came back after getting whacked in the nose by Kobe Bryant.  Doctors said he should stay in the locker room, but he stated he wanted to play.  As a Pacers fan, that's just awesome.  It's been a bit since we've had that mentality.  Danny Granger has been playing through a small injury as well, so it's good to see this team is willing to battling through things, and not sit out unless they are absolutely not able to go.  This game definitely felt like a playoff game as I sat in my bed just listening to the wonderful broadcast of Mark Boyle.  If you haven't sat and listened to a game, do yourself a favor, and do that once in a while.  


This game did not start out pretty as the Lakers jumped out to a 13 point lead in the first quarter, but the Pacers showed their smashmouth style, and chipped away even hitting a three pointer at the end of the second quarter to get back within three points.  The Pacers put up 35 points in that second quarter after just getting 14 in the first.  The third quarter was going back and fourth and the Lakers got a one point lead heading into the final period thanks to a buzz beater by Kobe Bryant.  Once again, the Pacers stepped up and took their shots at the Lakers.  They eventually got up late in the fourth quarter, and held on thanks to some timely free throws and great defense on potential game tying three pointers.  The Pacers held on to win this game 98-96. Stand out game by Hibbert as he put up 18 points and grabbed 8 rebounds.  All the other starters scored in double figures as well with David West getting 15 points, Danny Granger hitting for 16 points, Paul George scores 13 points, and Darren Collison with 12 points. I said before I think this team can win without a huge superstar and the collective team effort, which is what happened last night.


Just another game that this Pacers showed their grit and came out on top.  Friday night, George Hill stepped up and made a great defensive play to score the game winning basket against Golden State.  The Pacers finished this trip on a high note after that tough loss in Sacramento to start the trip.  But coming back to beat Golden State and Los Angeles is a statement to me.  This train needs to keep rolling as the Pacers come home to play the Orlando Magic and Chicago Bulls back to back.  That will be a test for this team, and one I know they'll step up and ace.

Joe Paterno: Wanted Dead or Alive

If there was ever a time when being first to get the new story isn't the best thing, yesterday showcased that greatly.  Also goes to show just how of a powerful force social media is, which we already knew. I know in my own experience, I saw the new story about Joe Paterno was in serious condition, and told my family about that, and moved on.  Then as the night moved on, my twitter timeline starts piling up with Joe Paterno dead, and like everyone else, I gave out my own facebook status stating what a great career he had even amid the end of it, and thought that was the end of it.  But apparently, it wasn't the end as his family had put out tweets stating that their dad was alive and just in very bad condition. Talk about a three sixty.  Can you imagine being the family members and having to hear that your dad is dead, when you're right there with him?  The college site that first reported it will obviously be put to the fire, but we all need to put ourselves to the fire.  I know we all jump right away on something, and just need to step back at times, let the facts come out, and then go from there.  With sports, it's so easy to make your own opinion and feelings known with twitter and every other social media outlet.  And with my own life, twitter is my news source, I see things there right away, and can give it out back to people.  I've always stated how quickly the death of Michael Jackson came out, and that was through facebook and twitter.  Nowadays that's how you find out everything.  It's a sad thing to find out death, but that's the way our world is.  And I am sure once Joe Paterno passes away, someone will jump right away and post it up to be that first person to post it.  Who knew it was such a race to be that person?  What does it matter if you report something first or last?  Everyone is going to make their OWN feelings known on the situation.  Hopefully in this situation, the family members can break the news themselves and on their own admission.

On the Sidelines 31

On the Sidelines 31

This week's episode features Indianapolis Colts heading coach talk, Pacers trip out West, and Butler picks up two good wins to move right up the standings.  Also I will give out my picks for the NFL Conference Championships, and finish up with NBA Standings.

Indianapolis Colts News
Colts Near Decision on Next Head Coach

Indiana Pacers News
Pacers Hold Off Golden State 94-91
Pacers Bow Down to Kings 92-88

Butler Bulldogs News
Butler Gets it Done Against Youngstown St 71-55
Butler Gets it Done Against UIC 57-49

NFL Playoffs
Ravens Patriots
Giants 49ers

NBA
Standings