NBA PREVIEW 2019-20…locker room material

Its here !!!…Its finally here, the season we have all been waiting for has finally arrived. No time for predictability or knowing before opening night who will end up playing for the title in June. The odds are literally the same for everyone, superstars are spread across the landscape of the NBA and its a wonderful thing. Players have switched coasts, teams,countries, and fans imaginations are running wild with the prospect of being that “next team” that everyone adores. So without further ado, its the 2019-20 LOCKER ROOM MATERIAL NBA PREVIEW ((gotta wait awhile for ZION WILLIAMSON tho…about 6-8 weeks))

EASTERN CONFERENCE

ATLANTIC DIVISION

1.PHILADELPHIA 76ers

This team has pressure, expectations, and major changes to deal with from a Game 7 defeat in the ECF last season. Hoping that addition (AL HORFORD/ JASON RICHARDSON) by subtraction (JIMMY BUTLER/JJ REDDICK) will work because experience is a great teacher and it taught this team that they are good but not great…yet. They need a focused and mature JOEL EMBIID to be great this season.

2.BOSTON CELTICS

What needs to happen this year in Boston is what hasnt happened the last couple of seasons. A lot of talent that didnt mesh well together, and it needs to show up in the stat lines. The ball will move on this team and that might be all they need to be able to take that next step. New faces could make chemistry a season long issue once again.

3.BROOKLYN NETS

Im not really sure what to think about this edition of Brooklyn’s finest, they added two high priced free agents in KEVIN DURANT and KYRIE IRVING, but I think they added just  added one and a half because KYRIE will be playing this year while the injured KD has to wait. So what are we to expect from a team on the rise or do we wait for next year. A playoff berth awaits but after that who knows ?

4.TORONTO RAPTORS

Didnt this team win the title last year ?. You wouldnt know it by the way everyone was so quiet about it. A championship hangover is more than likely with this squad, since their leader left for Hollywood. Take the loss of KAWHI LEONARD in stride and keep pushing for respectability.

5.NEW YORK KNICKS

Another season of rebuilding has beckoned in Manhattan, and its okay because the pieces that were acquired will actually make this team better in the long run and that should Madison Square Garden a fun place to watch basketball again. It has not been that way in a long time.

CENTRAL DIVISION

1.MILWAUKEE BUCKS

The shortcomings were exposed during the playoffs last season, and hopefully the star player GIANNIS ANTETOKOUNMPO (hey i spelled it right !!!) will step his game up and be more of a leader and this team can take next step knowing what awaits them down the line with GIANNIS’ contract situation. The reigning MVP has to come through and bring the ROBIN LOPEZ that stepped up last season with him.

2.INDIANA PACERS

A very interesting group on paper, but this team has thrived on unselfishness and team play the last couple of seasons. Many changes will challenge that philosophy now. If VICTOR OLIDIPO has a positive return from his injury, and they continue to get solid play from big men. This team can and will be a factor in the EAST.

3.DETROIT PISTONS

This team can go either way, a build off BLAKE GRIFFIN’s nice season but again if the injury bug strikes as it did last year, it could be another rebuild in the Motor City. This team needs to continue its upward swing, which DERRICK ROSE will show up this season ?

4.CHICAGO BULLS

Progress should be the key word with this squad and it will not be automatic. The roster is young and the coach is unproven. A bad stretch could turn this into a long and depressing season at the United Center. COBY WHITE has skills to change fortunes of this team quickly.

5.CLEVELAND CAVALIERS

Can this team make a return to the glory years ?. Who knows, some might say “who cares ?” . It will definitely be interesting to watch this team grow under the leadership of JOHN BEILEIN. He steps his game up as well coming from the college ranks to lead this young team that did not add any veteran leadership.

SOUTHEAST DIVISION

1.ORLANDO MAGIC

The chemistry and continuity this team has is essential to winning basketball. And this team has it in abundance. All of the starters are back and they added depth with acquisition of AL-FAROUQ AMINU from Portland. He will come off of the bench to spell starters AARON GORDON and JONATHAN ISSAC. Keeping this team together was a big move.

2.MIAMI HEAT

They may be the surprise team this season, with a rookie (TYLER HERRO) who is not scared at all. And sign and trade pickup of JIMMY BUTLER says everything about what this team is trying to accomplish. They have tasted success and they want more of it. A healthy GORAN DRAGIC would make that happen sooner than later.

3.ATLANTA HAWKS

The young and the restless have got the the energy to make this season a revelation for all involved. Heavy workloads for this team is coming and it seems as if they may be able to handle it, TRAE YOUNG and rookie CAM REDDISH will make it very interesting this season. If JOHN COLLINS can continue to pile up double doubles then it will be fun this season.

4.WASHINGTON WIZARDS

This season should be interesting as they added ISAIAH THOMAS (yeah THAT one) to play alongside BRADLEY BEAL and sleeper Rookie of the Year candidate RUI HACHIMURA. Lets see how much this team grows up while JOHN WALL remains injured.

5.CHARLOTTE HORNETS

The superstar is gone and they are left with having to figure out which side of the fence they will be on come the trade deadline. TERRY ROZIER is definitely on the spot as he knows the shoes of KEMBA WALKER will be hard to fill. MILES BRIDGES could use an upgrade to his game as well.

 

 

College Football 2019 Top 10 plus 5 to watch.

Its almost that time to strap up the chin straps, get the football’s and shoulder pads. And get ready for another five months of opinions, polls and good old arguments regarding what teams will end up in this year’s College Football Playoff. Last year Clemson beat the brakes off of Alabama and won the National Championship for the second time in three seasons. The season they did not win Alabama took the crown, but this season with all the roster changes, transfers, and upsets coming most teams know how they will look in 2019 for the most part. This a look at the top 10 teams for this season and who should end up in College Football Playoff. The semifinal games this season are the Fiesta Bowl and the Peach Bowl. And the National Championship will be played at Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana on January 13, 2020.

1. CLEMSON TIGERS will come into the 2019-20 season off of second championship in three years, and will be primed to repeat with a loaded offense led by Heisman frontrunner quarterback Trevor Lawrence and running back Travis Etienne. The questions are on defense, where entire starting front line will be replaced. But those underclassmen will grow up quickly in Dabo Swinney’s system.

2. ALABAMA CRIMSON TIDE should pick up and dust themselves off after getting blasted in title game by Clemson back in January. Tua Tagovailoa will lead an offense with Jerry Judy as his top receiver. The defense which lost some standouts will be supplemented by the next wave of players waiting to get their shine.The Tide will most certainly be in CFP picture.

3. GEORGIA BULLDOGS needs this season to be very big to remove sour taste of last season’s very disappointing finish. They blew a second half lead to Alabama in SEC chip. Then proceeded to lose to Texas in the Sugar Bowl. This team feels different though, Jake Fromm at quarterback and D’Andre Swift the lead back should make this offense very good. Their mission is to beat Alabama. That’s it, that’s all.

4. OKLAHOMA SOONERS the home of the last TWO HEISMAN winners, remember Baker Mayfield and Kyler Murray ? Jalen Hurts could pull off one of the most impressive feats in college football history if he can lead this offense to the CFP. He will need his defense to get it together because they gave up an average of 450 yards a game last year and cannot count on out scoring top teams every week.

5. MICHIGAN WOLVERINES this year has to be the year Jim Harbaugh’s crew accomplishes something, like beating Ohio State or being a factor in last weeks of the season. Shea Patterson returns at quarterback with Donovan Peoples-Jones and Nico Collins leading the receiving corps. The defense should be strong because coordinator Don Brown is absolutely among best in college football.

6. OHIO STATE BUCKEYES will start new era under head coach Ryan Day and new starting quarterback Justin Fields, who transfers from Georgia. This team has potential to be spectacular offensively. J.K. Dobbins is back to help catch wreck on opposing defenses. While defensive stalwart Chase Young will lead an even better defense in Columbus.

7. LOUISIANA STATE TIGERS should be higher because its offense will be very dynamic. Led by former New Orleans Saints offensive assistant Joe Brady who will handle passing game and be the receivers coach. Joe Burrow should be more comfortable in his second year as the starter. If LSU can win at Texas and show up against Alabama they may have a say in who ends up in CFP.

8. TEXAS LONGHORNS have a leader in quarterback Sam Ehlinger, and we will find out early because they see LSU in Week 2. The concerns are real along offensive and defensive lines, but Head Coach Tom Herman apparantly likes his team being in an underdog position. Ehlinger better stay healthy.

9. TEXAS A&M AGGIES need to be better in Head Coach Jimbo Fisher’s second season. They finished at 9-4 last season, but this season’s schedule is mad tough, it includes road games at Clemson, Georgia and LSU. And a home game against Alabama. Quarterback Kellen Bond should be better they just have to help him out and maybe they will have a shot at making some noise.

10. FLORIDA GATORS havent won SEC chip since 2008, back in the Tim Tebow days but they have to figure out how to knock off the Georgia Bulldogs. They have lost the last two seasons to the Dawgs, but finishing 10-3 last year they should have some purpose in getting better because they know what needs to be done.

The FIVE to watch

OREGON DUCKS—they won nine games last year and remain a threat to Washington Huskies in PAC-12. Justin Herbert has to remain healthy, if he can get this team to over 10 victories he can wind up in New York as a HEISMAN finalist. Defense should be better with Kayvon Thibodeaux, a five star player on defensive line.

WASHINGTON HUSKIES—this team should be in the mix with Georgia transfer Jacob Eason leading the offense. A ton of new faces on defense, but that should not be much of a problem, they are always nice on that side of the ball.

NOTRE DAME FIGHTING IRISH—they have a murderous schedule with road games at Michigan, Duke and Stanford. The Georgia game which is also on the road has to mean something for Irish to stay in the mix.

UTAH UTES—this may be the season this team can sneak in and upset another team’s playoff plans. Utah played Washington for Pac-12 chip last season. The offense will be led by QB Tyler Huntley and RB Zack Moss while on defense, ends Leki Fotu and Bradlee Anae will keep this team sharp versus the run.

PENN STATE NITTANY LIONS—hopefully they will have momentum and win some games in second half of the season. The defense will be strong with DE Yetur Gross-Moss and LB Micah Parsons leading the way. It should be a strong start of the season in Happy Valley.

 

 

 

2019 NBA FINALS……GOLDEN STATE v TORONTO …..((tax write off season almost over))

THE 2019 NBA FINALS have finally arrived and not a moment too soon !!…This entire season has been in my opinion, a glorified “tax write off” because we have seen the NBA’s “chosen one” LeBron James change teams (again), so called superstars not finish the season out (again), and the Draft Lottery and NBA Draft take more precedence than the actual season. Before the season even started, it was announced that the NBA ALL STAR WEEKEND would be moved from Houston, TX to Charlotte, NC due to a vote on the Public Facilities Privacy and Security Act, which was passed in 2016. It was a bill that said that a person has to use the restroom of their gender. And it also gave the state the exclusive right to determine its minimum wage, the 2018 -19 season started in high anticipation as Le Bron James took his talents to the West Coast and signed with the Los Angeles Lakers. It was seen as a sign that the Lakers were back and they were going to dethrone the Golden State Warriors as the Western Conference champions. Many people picked Los Angeles to win as many as 54 games and challenge the Warriors in the Western Conference Finals. More NBA teams also signed up for sponsorship on their respective jerseys as the league looked for more ways to generate revenue. There were changes in the rules on the court as well, which included shortening the shot clock on offensive rebounds from 24 to 14 seconds. The season was record breaking and record making at the same time. And most of those involved three point scoring, attempts and three point baskets made were at a scorched earth rate. The season was highlighted by the Houston Rockets star James Harden, who had the second most consecutive thirty point games in NBA history with 32. Some notable retirements included Dirk Nowitzki of the Dallas Mavericks, who retired after 21 seasons in Dallas and finishing his career with the third most games played and passing Wilt Chamberlain for sixth place on the all time scoring list. Dwayne Wade also finished his career with team he started his career with, the Miami Heat. Many records were surpassed and broken this past season which carved path for exciting playoff run down the stretch. The Eastern Conference was basically a three team race all season between favorites: Milwaukee, Philadelphia, and Toronto. The Western Conference which was expected to be dominated by Golden State was turned into a race by the upstart Denver Nuggets and Portland Trailblazers, two teams who were expected to be better but not necessarily do better. Toronto defeated the Orlando Magic in 5 games after being thoroughly beaten at home in opening game of series. Golden State knocked off a very good Los Angeles Clippers team in six exciting games. Toronto then faced Philadelphia in a back and forth series that went seven games and was ended by first series  winning buzzer beater in NBA history. And it sent Joel Embiid and the Seventy Sixers home crying…literally. The West Semi Finals placed Golden State against the Houston Rockets, who were defeated by Golden State in last seasons West Conference Finals. The series went six games and was taken by the Warriors in a more convincing fashion. Toronto faced the Milwaukee Bucks in the Eastern Conference Finals while Golden State went up against the Portland Trailblazers in the West Conference Finals. Those series were good but did not provide the excitement that took place in the second round. Toronto knocked Milwaukee off in six games , after being down 0-2 in the series. It served as an indictment on the season that the Bucks had, the best record in the East and one of the games new superstars in Giannis Antetokounmpo had his comeuppance and it served as the launching point for Toronto Raptors first ever appearance in the NBA Finals . While Golden State swept past Portland in a series that did not look that way at first glance. The Warriors were outplayed for the majority of the series, but they still managed to pull out the brooms on a game Portland squad. Now we are at the last stage of this “tax write off” of  season and we have arrived at the first ever international NBA Finals. Toronto will be a gracious host for the this series because they finished the season with more regular season wins (60) than Golden State (57). So they already have a built in advantage, star player Kevin Durant will miss at least the start of this series. Andre Iguodola, former Finals MVP will be available for the Warriors and that will give Golden State a boost in trying to defend its championship. And Demarcus Cousins has been cleared  to play in Game 1. Toronto brings a healthy  and fresh opponent into this series with Golden State and they beat the Warriors twice in the regular season, once without Leonard. This series will be decided on which team can continue its hot stretch of play throughout this postseason. It will be a very exciting series and I think we re going to see what the Warriors are built with without Kevin Durant, which means their bench must be consistent,and they have been for the most part. And for Toronto they have players that have contributed all season long and this will be their coming out party. Can Pascal Siakam make his presence felt on the biggest stage ? Will Kyle Lowry make his detractors respect him ? Can Nick Nurse lead this team to its biggest four victories ever ? Will Golden State solidify its standing as one of best “dynasties” ever ? It starts tonight in Toronto……we like Toronto in 6 and then we can write this season off and get ready for July 1 at exactly 12:01 am , when free agency starts.

 

AFR #921

AFTER FURTHER REVIEW #921
SHOUTOUT to you ROBERTO CLEMENTE
((MLB))
AMERICAN…
rays 5 red sox 2
blue jays 5 athletics 4
white sox 4 tigers 1
twins 4 orioles 1
angels 7 royals 3
rangers 14 mariners 1
astros 4 indians 1
NATIONAL…
phillies 5 marlins 1
mets 5 brewers 2
nationals 7 padres 6 (11)
cardinals 5 reds 2
cubs 6 diamondbacks 5
dodgers 7 pirates 6
braves 8 rockies 7
INTERLEAGUE…
yankees 11 giants 5
 
AFR 2.0 MLB TOP 10 rankings
—————————————–
1.DODGERS
2.TWINS
3.YANKEES
4.CARDINALS
5.RAYS
6.BLUE JAYS
7.ASTROS
8 .PHILLIES
9.RANGERS
10.PADRES
…its the “VLADDY JR” era in TORONTO and it looks like the BLUE JAYS are lovin their spot right now they havent lost since he joined the squad..even tho he hasnt really done much YET…..YANKEES are 9-1 in last 10 with a team you could not recognize if they told you who they were….the first month of the season has come and here we are with our first rankings…let us know whatchoo think !!!!
 
((NBA))
***EAST CONFERENCE 2ND ROUND***
MILWAUKEE BUCKS(1) v BOSTON CELTICS(4)
GAME 1
CELTICS 112 (irving 26/11a) BUCKS 90 (antetokounmpo 22)
boston leads 1-0
 
TORONTO RAPTORS(2) v PHILADELPHIA 76ers(3)
GAME 1
RAPTORS 108(leonard 45) 76ers 95(embiid 16)
toronto leads 1-0
 
***WEST CONFERENCE 2ND ROUND***
GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS(1) v HOUSTON ROCKETS(3)
GAME 1
WARRIORS 104(durant 35) ROCKETS 100(harden 35/6a)
golden state leads 1-0
 
DENVER NUGGETS(2) v PORTLAND TRAILBLAZERS(3)
GAME 1 ….tonight
 
AFR 2.0 says
EAST….BUCKS in 6 / RAPTORS in 5
WEST…WARRIORS in 7 / NUGGETS in 6
who YOU got ????
 
((NHL))
***EAST CONFERENCE 2ND ROUND***
BOSTON BRUINS(A 2) v COLUMBUS BLUE JACKETS(WC2)
series tied 1-1
 
NEW YORK ISLANDERS(M 2) v CAROLINA HURRICANES(WC1)
carolina leads 2-0
 
***WEST CONFERENCE 2ND ROUND***
STLOUIS BLUES(C 3) v DALLAS STARS(WC1)
series tied 1-1
 
SAN JOSE SHARKS(P 2) v COLORADO AVALANCHE(WC2)
series tied 1-1
***********************************************************************
NBA GAME of the day
PORTLAND TRAILBLAZERS v DENVER NUGGETS
GAME 1 …WEST/2ND ROUND
 
NHL GAME of the day
ST LOUIS BLUES v DALLAS STARS
GAME 3…WEST/2ND ROUND ……series tied 1-1
 
MLB GAME of the day
HOUSTON ASTROS(verlander) v MINNESOTA TWINS(odorizzi)
 
TRUE SCHOOL JAM of the day
“HIP HOP JUNKIES” – NICE AND SMOOTH
 
its MONDAY…….make the best of it and dont allow nonsense to mess up ya flow !!!….the BALLISTICS have been kicked !!!!…..AFR
 
 
 
 
 
 

AFR # 920

AFTER FURTHER REVIEW #920 SHOUTOUT to you ALEX ENGLISH
**********************************************************************
((MLB))
OPENING DAY 2019 ((YEEEEEEEEEEEEES !!!!))
*AMERICAN LEAGUE*
ORIOLES(cashner) v YANKEES(tanaka) 1p
TIGERS(zimmerman) v BLUE JAYS(stroman) 330p
ASTROS(verlander) v RAYS(snell) 4p
ANGELS(cahill) v ATHLETICS(fiers) 4p
INDIANS(kluber) v TWINS(berrios) 4p
WHITE SOX(rodon) v ROYALS(keller) 4p
RED SOX(sale) v MARINERS(gonzales) 7p
*NATIONAL LEAGUE*
METS(degrom) v NATIONALS(scherzer) 1p
CARDINALS(mikolas) v BREWERS(chachin) 2p
BRAVES(teheran) v PHILLIES(nola) 3p
DIAMONDBACKS(grienke) v DODGERS(ryu) 4p
PIRATES(taillon) v REDS(castillo) 4p
ROCKIES(freeland) v MARLINS(urena) 4p
GIANTS(bumgarner) v PADRES(lauer) 4p
*INTERLEAGUE*
CUBS(lester) v RANGERS(minor) 4p
 
AFTER FURTHER REVIEW 2019 MLB PICKS
AMERICAN LEAGUE
EAST…..NEW YORK YANKEES
CENTRAL….MINNESOTA TWINS
WEST….HOUSTON ASTROS
W/C….BOSTON / CLEVELAND
ALCS….ASTROS v YANKEES
NATIONAL LEAGUE
EAST…..ATLANTA BRAVES
CENTRAL…MILWAUKEE BREWERS
WEST…LOS ANGELES DODGERS
W/C…..ST LOUIS / PHILADELPHIA
NLCS…BREWERS v CARDINALS
2019 WORLD SERIES
NEW YORK YANKEES v ST LOUIS CARDINALS
WORLD SERIES CHAMPION——-> NEW YORK YANKEES
 
((NBA))
BLAZERS 118(curry 20) BULLS 98(harrison 21)
WARRIORS 118(curry 28/10/7a) GRIZZLIES 103(valanciunas 27/13)
THUNDER 107(george 31) PACERS 99(bogdanovich 28)
WIZARDS 124(parker 28) SUNS 121(booker 50/10)
JAZZ 115(gobert 22/11) LAKERS 100(kuzma 21)
playoff push
EAST
1.y-BUCKS
2.x-RAPTORS
3.x-SIXERS
4.x-PACERS
5.x-CELTICS
6.NETS
7.PISTONS
8.MAGIC
—miami .5
—charlotte 1.5
—washington 6.5
WEST
1.x-WARRIORS
2.x-NUGGETS
3.x-BLAZERS
4.x-ROCKETS
5.JAZZ
6.x-CLIPPERS
7.THUNDER
8 .SPURS
—sacramento 5.5
 
((NCAAM))
**SWEET SIXTEEN**
WEST REGION
4-FLORIDA STATE SEMINOLES v 1-GONZAGA BULLDOGS
3-TEXAS TECH RED RAIDERS v 2-MICHIGAN WOLVERINES
 
SOUTH REGION
3-PURDUE BOILERMAKERS v 2-TENNESSEE VOLUNTEERS
12-OREGON DUCKS v 1-VIRGINIA CAVALIERS
 
((NHL))
BRUINS 6 RANGERS 3
FLYERS 5 MAPLE LEAFS 4 (so)
STARS 2 FLAMES 1
AVALANCHE 4 GOLDEN KNIGHTS 3
playoff push
EAST
1.c-TAMPA BAY LIGHTNING (122 pts)
2.x-BOSTON BRUINS (103 pts)
3.WASHINGTON CAPITALS (98 pts)
4.TORONTO MAPLE LEAFS (97 pts)
5.PITTSBURGH PENGUINS (95 pts)
6.NEW YORK ISLANDERS (95 pts)
7.CAROLINA HURRICANES (91 pts)
8 .MONTREAL CANADIENS (90 pts)
—blue jackets (88 pts)
—flyers (82 pts)
WEST
1.x-CALGARY FLAMES (101 pts)
2.x-SAN JOSE SHARKS (95 pts)
3.x-WINNIPEG JETS (94 pts)
4.x-NASHVILLE PREDATORS (92 pts)
5.ST LOUIS BLUES (90 pts)
6.LAS VEGAS GOLDEN KNIGHTS (90 pts)
7.DALLAS STARS (86 pts)
8.COLORADO AVALANCHE (83 pts)
—coyotes (81 pts)
—wild (79 pts)
—blackhawks/oilers (76 pts)
—canucks (74 pts)
***********************************************************************
MLB GAME of the day
NEW YORK METS (de grom) v WASHINGTON NATIONALS (scherzer)
NHL GAME of the day
MONTRAL CANADIENS (90pts) v COLUMBUS BLUE JACKETS (88pts)
NCAAM SWEET 16 GAME of the day
WEST REGIONAL SEMIFINAL
FLORIDA STATE SEMINOLES (29-7) v GONZAGA BULLDOGS (32-3)
TRUE SCHOOL JAM of the day
“FANATIC OF THE B WORD” – DE LA SOUL
 
…its OPENING DAY the almost best day of the year…..say something nice to somebody…and dont fake the funk…..the BALLISTICS have been kicked !!!!!!!!!!……AFR.

2019 NCAA East Regional….is it gonna be that easy for Duke ???

It’s that time of the year …again. NCAA Tournament and the East Region will again be looked at as one of the easiest or we will be talking twenty years from now about the “upset” that could take place. Duke University has taken its rightful place…again as a top seed in the tournament.This year as the number one overall seed, do they deserve it ?. Well, that may depend on who you ask. I think that they have earned the top seed by defeating a couple of the other top seeds in this years big dance. They have wins over Virginia, North Carolina, a big 34 point victory over a number two seed (Kentucky), a win over a number three seed (Texas Tech), two wins over a number 4 seed (Florida State) and a win over the team that won the SEC tournament (Auburn). That’s nothing to sneeze at considering their loss to Gonzaga (a number one seed) came on a neutral floor with their superstar Zion Williamson on the floor. People will still be betting the farm and condo on Duke to win it all, it does not mean that Duke will get a clear path to the Final Four. Michigan State is in the building as the two seed in this region and Virginia Tech, which is the four seed is getting one of its top players Justin Robinson back and ready to play. And lets not forget about Louisiana State, considering they will be coached by Tony Benford because of the FBI scandal that has put Will Wade on the sideline due to suspension, it may be a walk in the park for Duke, as they will not get tested until Sweet 16. They have a first round game against winner of First Four game between North Carolina Central and North Dakota State. NCC is playing in the First Four in Dayton, Ohio, for the third year in a row against a North Dakota State team that is used to playing in the tournament as well. North Carolina Central won the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference by defeating the top seed Norfolk State, so they are ready to get it in. North Dakota State won the Summit League tournament by knocking off Omaha in the final. NDSU is making its third tournament appearance in six years. There will be some games to watch in the first round in this region, and one that is certainly a no brainer will be number 7 seed Louisville matching up with 10 seed Minnesota, for the simple fact that Richard Pitino will be coaching against the school that fired his father (remember the glory days of Rick Pitino at Louisville ?), this game will be the first game on Thursday, no significance there.

A team that may surprise in this region is number 12 Liberty, this team finished 28-6 and will be going up against Mississippi State. Scottie James is the leader of this team that should give the Bulldogs a run, and it’s a 5 versus 12 match up. A perfect recipe for upset status, I’m not really concerned about LSU not having their coach around, I think it will motivate this squad to make a surprising run. A few players to watch in this region will be Zion Williamson (DUKE) of course, he has been the best player this season, flimsy PG13’s notwithstanding. He brings 22.1 points, 8.9 rebounds, 2.2 steals and 1.8 blocks in 29.1 minutes per game to the tournament. RJ Barrett (Duke) who may be the second best player in the country. He is averaging 22.9 points, 7.5 rebounds and 4.1 assists in 34.9 minutes per game this season. Cassius Winston (Michigan State), the Big Ten Player of the Year and also MVP of the Big Ten Tournament. He is going to bring 18.9 points and 7.6 rebounds in 32.9 minutes per game this year. Bruno Fernando (Maryland), he has 20 double doubles this season, he had a big game versus Nebraska (18pts/17 boards). He has averaged a double double this year 13.7 points and 10.4 rebounds in 29.6 minutes this season. Shizz Alston (Temple) he is bringing 19.7 points and 5 assists in 37.1 minutes this season for the Owls. Duke seemingly has a clear path to the Final Four, outside of a poor three point shooting game. They shot 30.2 percent from three this season, which is ranked 338th in the country. I said THREE HUNDREDTH AND THIRTY EIGHTH in the country. That cannot happen if Duke wants to cut down the nets in a couple of weeks. I have Duke getting out of the East Regional, anything after that is a shot in the dark.

AFR #917

AFTER FURTHER REVIEW #917 SHOUTOUT to you MICKEY RIVERS
********************************************************************
((NHL))
FLAMES 3 ISLANDERS 1
FLYERS 5 SABRES 2
BRUINS 4 SHARKS 1
CAPITALS 7 SENATORS 2
HURRICANES 6 KINGS 1
PENGUINS 5 BLUE JACKETS 2
CANADIENS 8 RED WINGS 1
BLUES 2 PREDATORS 0
WILD 3 JETS 2
COYOTES 4 PANTHERS 3-so
GOLDEN KNIGHTS 4 STARS 1
——-> TRADE DEADLINE winners and losers
SAN JOSE SHARKS –A
TAMPA BAY LIGHTNING –A
WINNIPEG JETS–A
NASHVILLE PREDATORS– A-
NEW YORK RANGERS– A-
OTTAWA SENATORS– A-
LAS VEGAS GOLDEN KNIGHTS– A-
DALLAS STARS–D+
EDMONTON OILERS–D+
 
((NBA))
KNICKS 108(mudiay 19) MAGIC 103(vucevic 26/11)
RAPTORS 118(siakam 25/8 ) CELTICS 95(morris 17)
NUGGETS 121(jokic 36/10a) THUNDER 112(george 25)
——-> HALL OF FAMER KAREEM ABDUL JABBAR has put his FOUR championship rings up for sale…to benefit his SKYHOO FOUNDATION and people are screaming “poverty”…..this is a case of where people just talking to hear themselves talk…..he is also putting game worn jerseys..uniforms…trophies and keys to multiple cities that he has received…..not bad at all if you ask AFR
 
((NCAAHOOPERY))
NORTH CAROLINA 93(white 34) SYRACUSE 85(battle 29/5)
VIRGINIA TECH 77(blackshear jr 23/10) DUKE 72(barrett 21/5a)
KENTUCKY 70(herro 29) ARKANSAS 66(joe 19)
*****NCAAM TOP 10*****
1.GONZAGA BULLDOGS (27-2)
2.VIRGINIA CAVALIERS (24-2)
3.KENTUCKY WILDCATS (23-4)
4.DUKE BLUE DEVILS (24-3)
5.NORTH CAROLINA TAR HEELS (22-5)
6.MICHIGAN STATE SPARTANS (23-5)
7.HOUSTON COUGARS (26-1)
8.TENNESSEE VOLUNTEERS (24-3)
9.MARQUETTE GOLDEN EAGLES (23-4)
10.MICHIGAN WOLVERINES (24-4)
…the LADIES side
CONNECTICUT 84(collier 32/12) WICHITA STATE 47(bremaud 15)
IOWA STATE 64(carleton 27/11/4a) TEXAS TECH 62(brewer 19/16)
*****NCAAW TOP 10*****
1.BAYLOR LADY BEARS (25-1)
2.CONNECTICUT LADY HUSKIES (25-2)
3.NOTRE DAME LADY IRISH (25-3)
4.LOUISVILLE LADY CARDINALS (25-2)
5.MISSISSIPPI STATE LADY BULLDOGS (25-2)
6.STANFORD LADY CARDINAL (23-4)
7.OREGON LADY DUCKS (25-3)
8.MARYLAND LADY TERRAPINS (24-3)
9.NORTH CAROLINA STATE LADY WOLFPACK (24-3)
10.IOWA LADY HAWKEYES (21-6)
 
((MLB))
—-PRACTICE GAMES—-
grapefruit league
PHILLIES v YANKEES (postponed)
MARLINS 3 ASTROS 0
TWINS 6 PIRATES 5
CARDINALS 6 NATIONALS 1
RAYS 11 ORIOLES 5 ( 8 )
BRAVES 4 METS(ss) 3
RED SOX v BLUE JAYS (postponed)
TIGERS 14 METS(ss) 4
cactus league
ANGELS 17 ATHLETICS 5
WHITE SOX 9 ROYALS(ss) 7
PADRES 3 BREWERS 1
GIANTS 4 REDS 3
DIAMONDBACKS 5 CUBS 4
ROYALS(ss) 8 DODGERS 2
INDIANS 5 ROCKIES 3
RANGERS 4 MARINERS 4 (10)
***********************************************************************
NBA GAME of the day
LOS ANGELES CLIPPERS (34-28) v UTAH JAZZ (33-26)
NHL GAME of the day
CALGARY FLAMES (87 pts) v NEW JERSEY DEVILS (58 pts)
NCAAM GAME of the day
TENNESSEE VOLUNTEERS (24-3) v MISSISSIPPI REBELS (19-8 )
NCAAW GAME of the day
MIAMI(OH) LADY REDHAWKS (21-4) v KENT STATE LADY GOLDEN FLASHES (15-10)
TRUE SCHOOL JAM of the day
“DYIN TO BE DANCIN” – empress
 
its WEDNESDAY…..make it happen for yourself and make sure the kids are safe and warm…..the BALLISTICS have been kicked !!!!!!…..AFR.

2019 New York Yankees preview…..can we get back to the World Series please ????!!!

Its a new year and we are here to get into the 2019 season for the New York Yankees. I had the Yankees winning the World Series last year, but they fell short to the eventual world champion Boston Red Sox in the Divisional Playoffs. But its a new year and you live and learn, the Yankees went through injuries and a less than stellar year from one of its main power bats. But last year is over and its time to focus on this season and putting some heat on those guys in Massachusetts. The Yankees won 100 games last year and still finished 8 games out of the division. Untimely injuries to Aaron Judge and Gary Sanchez put a damper on the season a little but its okay, a broken wrist kept Judge out for about six weeks. Sanchez landed on the disabled list twice with a groin strain that kept him out of the lineup. This season we will be stronger with additions of pitchers James Paxton and Adam Ottovino, we acquired Troy Tulowitzki was signed for big league minimum to help keep the infield together until Didi Gregorius returns this summer.

The starting rotation which will also have J.A. Happ returning as a free agent, Luis Severino, Masahiro Tanaka, and C.C. Sabathia who will be playing his last season before retirement. The rotation will need to be a little bit stronger and remain injury free at least until the trade deadline because what we have depth wise is not very experienced, Johnathan Loaisiga, Chance Adams and Domingo German will be there but any contribution from them will be a positive. The Yankees bullpen is considered one of the strongest in baseball, once again re-signed free agent Zach Britton will be partnered up with Adam Ottavino who we got from Colorado to go along with Dellin Betances to make up a great bullpen for the summertime stretch. The Yankees infield will be strong with Luke Voit, who made a very good impression last season will be in a battle a first place with Greg Bird. We have been waiting a few years now for Bird to show the promise that we were promised. Gleyber Torres, Troy Tulowitzki and Miguel Andujar will be a strong infield. The experience from Torres and Andujar will be very helpful, the outfield will be strong as well with Judge, Aaron Hicks, just signed a seven year extension for 70 million dollars. Brett Gardner will be back as well, hopefully to add on to a strong Yankees outfield. The bench will be strong with veterans Clint Frazier, Tyler Wade and DJ LeMahieu. The latter coming off of a very good career in Colorado and will help the Yankees in gaining ground on Boston. The catching scenario will be very instrumental because a lot depends on how Gary Sanchez responds from his very underachieving 2018. He showed signs late last year of still being a great hitter but he really fell off defensively behind the plate.

The Yankees will survive without addition of any other high priced free agents, and you know who I am speaking about, I mentioned as soon as last year ended that we did not need either of those guys. One has signed with San Diego and the truth is coming out about the other guy. So my season has been made already, Aaron Boone in his second year at the helm has to work this season like he is under a microscope. The goal this season is to not play in another wild-card game which is definitely a reachable goal. The Yankees have some players on the farm waiting for their chance. Or they may find themselves in a deal like Justus Sheffield did last season. So this season once again I’m proclaiming that my Yankees will have a very good season. They will win the division and go on to win the World Series, this season will make it ten since the last World Series appearance by the Yankees, and it will be well worth the wait. Hopefully everything will work out and another 100 plus win season is out there to be had, we just have to do better against those dreaded Red Sox. We will make a international trip to play Boston in London this season. It looks like the twenty seventh world championship is on the horizon.

AFR #916

AFTER FURTHER REVIEW #916 SHOUTOUT to you JIM PLUNKETT
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((NBA))
KNICKS 130(dotson 27) SPURS 118(derozan 32/9/4)
MAGIC 113(ross 28) RAPTORS 98(lowry 19/10a)
NUGGETS 123(jokic 22/16) CLIPPERS 96(williams 24)
….NYK win at the GARDEN first time since DEC 1…and they got a SHOUT from SAMUEL L at the OSCARS…..poor JA RULE…..he cant buy a win…..his performance at BUCKS game during halftime was ummmmm….”FYRE”…..
AFR TOP 5 NBA SQUADS
1.bucks 2.raptors 3.warriors 4.nuggets 5.pacers
((NHL))
CAPITALS 6 RANGERS 5-ot
SHARKS 5 RED WINGS 3
STARS 4 BLACKHAWKS 3
FLAMES 2 SENATORS 1
WILD 2 BLUES 1-ot
COYOTES 4 JETS 1-ot
….sorry to see the homie MATS ZUCCARELLO leave NYR in a trade to DALLAS….but he scored a goal…but may have broken his arm blocking a shot….such is life….know that THE KING (henrik lundqvist) took it harder than most…NHL TRADE DEADLINE is TODAY at 3 pm !!!!!
AFR TOP 5 NHL SQUADS
1.lightning 2.flames 3.leafs 4.islanders 5.coyotes
((NCAAHOOPS))
MICHIGAN STATE 77(winston 27/8a) MICHIGAN 70(simpson 19/2a)
XAVIER 66(marshall 17/4a) VILLANOVA 54(paschall 17)
AFR TOP 5 NCAAM SQUADS
1.gonzaga 2.duke 3.kentucky 4.virginia 5.nevada
…..SHOUTOUT to MISSISSIPPI players who took a knee during anthem in response to confederate rally…it was perfect…and whoever doesnt like it…can umm…..you know what to do !!!!…..BIG GAMES coming up soon——-> KENTUCKY v TENNESSEE..march 2
DUKE v NORTH CAROLINA..march 9
MICHIGAN v MICHIGAN STATE..march 9
HOUSTON v CINCINNATI..march 10
how these games turn out will affect NCAA TOURNEY bids and spots
……ladies side
OREGON 96(boley 32) SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA 78(moore 30/6/6a)
CONNECTICUT 68(walker 21) TULSA 49(brady 17)
LOUISVILLE 87(durr 23) BOSTON COLLEGE 51(lowery 12)
MISSISSIPPI STATE 86(mccowan 23) VANDERBILT 70(fasoula 29)
STANFORD 71(williams 15/4a) ARIZONA STATE 50(ekmark 10)
NORTH CAROLINA STATE 74(leslie 21/4a) NORTH CAROLINA 69(kea 32/5a)
********************************************************************
NBA GAME of the day
SAN ANTONIO SPURS(33-28) v BROOKLYN NETS(31-30)
NHL GAME of the day
FLORIDA PANTHERS(62 pts) v COLORADO AVALANCHE(65 pts)
NCAAM GAME of the day
KANSAS STATE WILDCATS(21-6) v KANSAS JAYHAWKS(20-7)
NCAAW GAME of the day
TEXAS LADY LONGHORNS(21-6) v BAYLOR LADY BEARS(25-1)
TRUE SCHOOL JAM of the day
“STRAIGHT OUT THE JUNGLE”–JUNGLE BROTHERS
its MONDAY…..get a good start to the week…..and enjoy life……the BALLISTICS have been kicked !!!!!……AFR

AFR #915

AFTER FURTHER REVIEW #915 SHOUTOUT to you THURMAN MUNSON and OG Wood
******************************************************************
((NHL))
WILD 4 RANGERS 1
OILERS 4 ISLANDERS 3-ot
SABRES 2 LIGHTNING 1-so
CAPITALS 3 MAPLE LEAFS 2
HURRICANES 4 PANTHERS 3
DEVILS 4 SENATORS 0
SHARKS 4 PENGUINS 0
CANADIENS 5 FLYERS 1
PREDATORS 2 KINGS 1
STARS 5 BLUES 2
COYOTES 3 CANUCKS 2-ot
——->SHOUTOUT to NIKITA KUCHEROV (tampa bay) for being quickest to 100 points since MARIO LEMIEUX in ’96…
DIVISION LEADERS
EAST
ATLANTIC….TAMPA BAY 98 pts
METROPOLITAN….NY ISLANDERS 77 pts
WEST
CENTRAL….NASHVILLE 77 pts
PACIFIC….CALGARY 81 pts
 
((NBA))
CAVALIERS 111(osman 19) SUNS 98(booker 30/7a)
SIXERS 106(harris 23) HEAT 102(wade 19/6a)
BLAZERS 113(nurkic 27/12) NETS 99(crabbe 17)
BUCKS 98(antetokounmpo 30/13/6a) CELTICS 97(irving 22/5a)
WARRIORS 125(curry 36) KINGS 123(bagley III 28/14)
LAKERS 111(james 29) ROCKETS 106(harden 30)
——-> SHOUTOUT to PHOENIX SUNS for being consistent with losing franchise record 16 games…as there are actually two races going on….the race to the bottom three picks that have equal chance to be in the race for the top pick in NBA DRAFT
DIVISION LEADERS
EAST
ATLANTIC….TORONTO
CENTRAL….MILWAUKEE
SOUTHEAST…CHARLOTTE
WEST
NORTHWEST….DENVER
SOUTHWEST….HOUSTON
PACIFIC….GOLDEN STATE
 
((NCAAHOOPERY))
GONZAGA 92(hachimura 23) PEPPERDINE 64(dunn 16/7)
MICHIGAN 69(poole 22) MINNESOTA 60(murphy 18/15)
——-> SHOUTOUT to the ZION WILLIAMSON(duke) supporters who feel like he should not play anymore this season after his unfortunate injury….this is the society that we live in…get the proverbial “bag”….and not have any education to grow said “bag”……everyone is soooo concerned about having money…and its kinda crazy how people count other peoples money for them….there are many cases of former players who are not as successful as people once though they would be …..ask ANTOINE WALKER
….ladies side
LOUISVILLE 71(evans 13/6a) VIRGINIA 49(willoughby 16/13)
NOTRE DAME 89(ogunbowale 25) DUKE 61(goodchild 26)
MISSISSIPPI STATE 80(howard 21) MISSISSIPPI 66(allen 29)
MARYLAND 71(charles 29) MINNESOTA 69(pitts 24)
NORTH CAROLINA STATE 80(jones 14) WAKE FOREST 46(raca 15/9)
INDIANA 75(wise 24/12) IOWA 73(gustafson 26/12)
——-> SHOUTOUT to HC JONI TAYLOR (georgia) for returning to bench exactly two days aftergiving birth to her second child….now THATS dedication….and ARIKE OGUNBOWALE(notre dame) for becoming schools all time leading scorer passing SYLER DIGGINS-SMITH….get those clear bags ready if you are attending SEC TOURNAMENT….for security reasons of course…
********************************************************************
its DOUBLEHEADER FRIDAY yall……lets get it !!!!!!!!
 
*NBA GAMES of the day
SAN ANTONIO SPURS(33-26) v TORONTO RAPTORS(43-16)
UTAH JAZZ(32-25) v OKLAHOMA CITY THUNDER(37-20)
*NHL GAMES of the day
COLORADO AVALANCHE (61 pts) v CHICAGO BLACKHAWKS (61 pts)
WINNIPEG JETS (76 pts) v LAS VEGAS GOLDEN KNIGHTS (69 pts)
NCAAWBB GAMES of the day
ARIZONA LADY WILDCATS(17-8) v STANFORD LADY CARDINAL (21-4)
UCLA LADY BRUINS(16-10) v OREGON LADY DUCKS (24-2)
TRUE SCHOOL JAMS of the day
“FIRE” – OHIO PLAYERS
“FANATIC OF THE B WORD” – DE LA SOUL
its the freakin weekend yall..whatchoo gonna do wit it…..make it happen for yourself…..there will be a FACEBOOK LIVE tonight around 10pm est…….we gonna kick it for a few ….make sure to come thru……the BALLISTICS have been kicked !!!!!