With ALEX KLARIS ’09 and ALEC BARNETT ’09 Featuring DAN CANNATA ’08
News Columnist
I know it’s been a while devotees, but your boys are back and better than ever with a mixed bag of sports knowledge on this glorious Friday. Today we’ll get to the Shaq deal, Roger Clemens, College Basketball, and of course, the revelation that was Super Bowl XLII. And for the rest of his time left at Choate, Dan Cannata will be joining the Creatures with his bold predictions every column. Let’s get right into it.
Why Shaq to the Suns Makes Sense
The Super Man’s landing in Phoenix has caused some ruckus amongst media types. Most have taken the position that the Suns and Steve Kerr are out of their minds for making this deal. And of course, that’s why I’m here to tell them that they’re wrong.
No question that Shaq is past his prime. Kerr and the organization know this. It’s not like O’Neal is trying to pull a Danny Almonte birth certificate switch-a-roo on anyone. The man is 35 and aging with every trot down the court. This though, has not, and will not, deter him from remaining one of the most formidable forces in the low post. He’s just as strong as he was during his days with Kobe and Co., he’s only become a smarter player, and most importantly, he’s more motivated than ever before.
If you think for one second Shaq doesn’t know what everyone is saying about this deal, then you don’t know the big man. He takes things very very personally, and will go out on the floor every night with the intention of proving everyone who doubted him wrong.
What people don’t realize about this deal, or rather what they’re missing, is the advantage that the Suns have gained. Now, Amare can go back to playing the Power Forward, his true position. Along with Raja Bell, Grant Hill and of course the General Steve Nash, this is an extremely effective starting five. Still not sold? Think about this. With Shawn Marion on the team what did the Suns accomplish, other than being the most talented team in the league to get to the Western Conference Championship and lose? Year after year they lost. Now though, with Shaq in the front court and with Nash and Hill still with 2-3 good years left in the tank, look out for the Suns. But this time when it matters.
Dan’s Bold Prediction: “Although Shaq’s numbers will be way down, his presence in the playoffs will be enough to bring Phoenix to the NBA finals against the Celtics, which I will be attending.”
Roger’s Legacy
The question of Roger Clemens’ legacy looms as a storm cloud over the already water logged baseball world. What would it mean for America’s pastime if both the most prolific hitter (Barry Bonds) and pitcher (Clemens) were found guilty of perjury and using performance enhancing drugs? Destruction really, on all fronts. What could the viewing public trust, who could we trust? Bud Selig? Not after what John Rocker is saying. The players? Certainly not. They have zero credibility. The Mitchell report and the names it has called to the forefront of this investigation has tarnished a generation of baseball dating back to the ’98 homerun race between McGwire and Sosa, and most likely even beyond. But what does this all mean for Clemens and how he will be remembered. Well, no one can erase the fact that he has been called to testify. That will be with him forever, but if he can step in front of the court and clear his name once and for all, then hopefully the fans and more importantly hall-of-fame voters will be able to see past just speculation. If this is done, then Clemens is already eons ahead of Barry Bonds when it comes to his PR and his relationship with everyone in and around Major League Baseball.
Dan’s Bold Prediction: “Besides Clemens’ wife, [Brian] Mcnamee also injected Bud Selig with HGH to help him stand up against the war on steroids”
Some Creatures Style Bracketology
With the greatest sporting event known to man kind approaching in less than a month, the NCAA Mens’ Basketball Tournament brings us joy, excitement, and some of the most fun one sports fan can enjoy. Today, and every column leading up to the tournament we’ll examine one of the lesser known mid-major teams that have a realistic shot at cracking the sweet sixteen, as well as some of the bigger upsets set to take place as teams improve and make cases for a spot in the first round of 65.
Mid Majors We Like this Week: UNC Asheville. After a convincing 71-56 win over perennial Big South favorite Winthrop, it seems as though there is a new top dog in town. The Bulldogs of Asheville will most likely land a 13 or 14 seed come tourney time as long as they can stay strong and not stray off course. It also doesn’t hurt to have the 7-7 Center Kenny George on your team. The guy can essentially dunk without jumping. If they continue to gain confidence look for Asheville to be a potential 13-over-4 upset in the first round. Not As Good As Everyone Thinks: Drake. Better than Everyone Thinks: Notre Dame.
Dan’s Bold Prediction: “UConn will outlast Georgetown in the NCAA tournament”
Last Words on Super Bowl XLII
Did the Giants win Super Bowl XLII or did the Patriots lose it? No disrespect to the Giants or their fans, but we all know the answer to the question posed above. Even you diehard G-Men backers understand that this game was not yours to win. The 11.5 point spread proved that very early on. The Pats were the most talented team in the entire league, but inexplicably, they weren’t even the best team in Arizona on Sunday. Again, I don’t want to take away anything that New York (really their front four) did because it truly was spectacular, but New England displayed one of the most epic choke jobs of all time.
Let’s also take into consideration the luck factor here. Where else besides maybe in a game of Madden ‘08 are you going to see the catch David Tyree made? Seriously? Who is this guy, and how does he make what will go down as the greatest catch in Super Bowl history? Let alone on the team that all season had worse hands than a 90 year-old with Parkinson’s. This was just astonishing! And what about Asante Samuel, the Patriots franchise cornerback, dropping the game ending INT on Eli’s eventual game winning drive? Does that happen every day? I didn’t think so.
A quick closing message to Giants fans: Love and appreciate what your team did for you on Sunday. But also understand that it did not come without some serious help from the Gods of Karma, who just displayed their wrath on the 2007-2008 New England Patriots.
Dan’s Bold Prediction: Dan has no recollection of the Super Bowl and thus has no comment.
