Better Late Than Never

The dog ate my homework.
My alarm didn’t go off.
I had to save the world from alien invasion.

They say excuses are like people’s hind quarters -- everyone has ‘em and most of them stink.

With that being said, I won’t tell you why I my first post of 2008 comes with just six days left in January. It sucks. I miss it. I miss you. And go ahead and say it, you miss me.

So, much in the vein of taking your girl out to a nice dinner after an argument that was your fault, I’ll try to make this one good to make sure you love me again.

So as the coffee is brewing and the world is still quiet, here’s what is percolating in my brain on a Saturday morning...

EYE OF THE TIGERS - I haven’t watched as much college hoops this year as I normally do. I’ll be the first to admit it. However, as the ides of March draw near, my interest (and my attention span) is piquing once again and I find myself tuning in just for the heck of it.

Because of that, I can only say what I know… and more precisely, what I’ve seen. I’ve watched Memphis play a few times this year. They’re good. I know, real bold statement about the undefeated #1 team in the country. But trust me, they’re good.

Better than the brief stints of UNC I’ve seen. Better then Kansas. Better than UCLA.

Joey Dorsey is a beast. He’s like a mini-Ben Wallace (when he was actually good) with a better offensive awareness. In fact, he wears #3 in honor of Bbbbben. This guy will be a legit banger in the Association when it’s all said and done.

Chris Douglas-Roberts – what can you really say about a guy with three first names? Solid all around.

The Ghost of Elliot Perry – Ok so he hasn’t played there in almost two decades. But I’m watching their game on ESPN against Gonzaga and they just showed Perry’s jersey hanging in the Pyramid’s rafters. I enjoyed the blast from the past, so figured you would too. Who can forget the man affectionately dubbed “Socks”?!? If it doesn’t ring a bell, I’m disappointed. But since I’m here for you, CLICK HERE for a refresher.

And of course, the difference maker is super frosh Derrick Rose, whose game is now in full bloom as the team’s floor general.

I like Coach Cal too (sorry John Cheaney).

This will be a real tough team come tourney time – regardless if they run the table in the regular season or not… frankly, who cares. Sure it looks nice on paper, but that and a quarter won’t even get you a phone call. Plan on seeing the Tigers hanging around come March, and for the other 15 teams who fall in their bracket, I suggest praying for a quick death and may the God of college hoops have mercy on your souls.

THE CATS MEOW – The other team I’ve had the pleasure of watching several times this year is of course my beloved Arizona Wildcats. My opinion has run the gamut this year – from Best Team We’ve Seen In Awhile to Lucky To Get Out Of The First Round. But as the season has progressed, the former position is becoming more realistic.

Don’t bother looking at their 13-6 record, it will just lead you astray. As they do year in and year out, the Cats have had a brutal schedule thus far – and it’s all by choice. Lute knows how to get a team ready for tourney time (and yes, I know Lute ain’t there this year, but it wasn’t Kevin O’Neill who drew up the schedule before the season started).

While some teams are padding their stats and their records with games against Northeast Saskatchewan State and Cupcake U, the Cats are going up against the likes of Illinois, Texas A&M, Kansas, Virginia and the aforementioned Memphis Tigers. They’ve won some. They’ve lost some. But testing yourself against that caliber of opponent early on (often in enemy territory) can only bode well come March.

Chase Buddinger is one of the top 10 players in the country... when he wants to be. Unfortunately, all-out effort for a full 48 doesn’t seem to be his thing. Chase, if you want to be great, I mean truly great, it needs to be.

Jordan Hill is a beast inside. For a guy who hasn’t been playing basketball for many years, his instinct on the defensive end is uncanny. Forget year to year, Hill is evolving game to game. He is a legitimate low post presence (something Cat fans haven’t seen too often). He can board and block with the best of ‘em. His only problem is avoiding the unnecessary fouls. If he can figure out a way to stay on the court, he completely changes the makeup of this team.

And if you want to know what will make or break this team , look no further than super duper frosh Jerryd Bayless. This guy is THE difference maker for the Cats. End of story. He’s been bitten by the injury bug a bit this year, and when he’s not in the game, we’re just not the same. The only thing that scares me about Bayless – is that he’s so good, I wonder how long he’ll be around. Players don’t leave Lute after one year… leaving Kevin O’Neill could be another thing altogether. Let’s hope not.

An Elite 8 run is definitely in this team’s grasp, and maybe more... if they want it.

HERE COME THE SPURS – Sadly my attention to college hoops isn’t the only sports facet to take a hit this season, as I also haven’t been able to watch much NBA either. Truth be told, beyond my fantasy team, my interest in the NBA this time of year is slime to none. Then again, that’s one of the luxuries of being a Spurs fan. Let’s face it, it just doesn’t matter what happens for another four months. We’ll be in the playoffs. And really, who cares about seeding. Sure I’d like home court against Dallas or Phoenix, but neither team will beat us in a series. They haven’t yet. No reason to think that will change now.

So while I’ll admit, I take it for granted, I just haven’t needed to sweat out the first 40 games with 40 more to go. But I will say this… I finally got to sit down and watch the Spurs on back-to-back nights against the Lakers and Heat, respectively. Love what I see. Duncan looks as good as he has in a long, long time.

Watching us rip the Lakers heart out with an impressive third quarter run was also great to watch for one reason – Bruce Bowen. Honestly, I’m not sure I’ve ever sat and just watched BB do his thing for 48 minutes. But watching him D up Kobe was a thing of beauty. Sure Kobe got his points, but he had to work for every single one. Bowen’s footwork on the defensive end is truly a thing of beauty and it should be required learning for all high school players. Move your feet. Stay in front of your opponent. Simple as that.

Oh, and if you haven’t had the pleasure of watching San Antonio play yet this year, let me also be the first to introduce you to our new secret weapon – Ime Udoka. Dude can play the 2, 3 or 4. Solid on the ball defender and great from the perimeter. When we make our run in the playoffs, just remember you heard it here first. He’ll be a big part of it.

PLAY BALL… ALMOST – At the time I’m writing this, there is exactly 18 days, 20 hours, 33 minutes and 28 seconds until pitchers and catchers report. Thank you MLB.com for the countdown. I have absolutely no clue what to expect from the Cubbies this year. I could see first place. I could see a long year. No clue. Either way, Fukodome figures to play a deciding factor. Looking forward to a season of butchering his name. Cannot wait!

HOLLYWOOD ‘SUPER’ MAN – Working for “Access Hollywood” has its fair share of perks. Get to see a few celebs here and there. Shelly and I get to give the scoop to all our friends’ wives (you’re welcome Holly and Danielle). And now, after four years, finally a perk worth bragging about – I’m headed to the Super Bowl!

Ok, so maybe I don’t have credentials or a ticket to get into the game itself. But I will be inside all of the celebrity parties in Phoenix the week leading up to the big game.

Maxim. ESPN. Victoria’s Secret. Playboy. All of ‘em… and then some.

Should be quite interesting, to say the least. So if anyone else out there is headed out to ‘Zona to watch the Pats squeak by the GMen (NE 37, NYG 27 is the call), look me up. I’ll be the guy standing next to Eva Longoria, Peyton Manning, Brian Urlacher, Paris Hilton and the rest of the pretty people.

Man I love my job.