On The Court: MARCH MADNESS!!

This is post is in just a tad bit late but it comes at a time when we've all had a taste of March Madness!

With UAB upsetting Iowa, Moreira ironically keeping UCLA alive, and RJ Hunter shooting Georgia State into the second, who doesn't love college basketball?

I'm excited as ever for the next 32 games, but before it begins, I just wanted to share a list of players to keep an eye out:

RJ Hunter (Georgia State) - If anyone resembles Stephen Curry during his Davidson run, it's this guy.  His quick release, footwork, and shot from the hip form is all it takes for me to jump on the bandwagon.

Jhalil Okafor (Duke) - Sound familiar?  He's a distant cousin of Emeka Okafor, but like his cousin, he boasts size and skill.

D'Angelo Russell (Ohio State) - This kid can flat out score.  Being left handed, he really reminds me of James Harden and how easy the game comes to him.  Effortless scoring and a big time player.

Frank Kaminsky (Wisconsin) - I've seen this guy play in last couple of years and with experience he's only gotten better.  Playing on the strengths of his skills and size makes him a threat.

Tyus Jones (Duke) - A strong point guard who's not afraid to play in the big moments.  Another reason why Duke won't be upsetted early (but I guess, you never really know).

Justise Winslow (Duke) - Athletic and defensive.

Montrezl Harrel (Louisville) - A ferocious athlete who leaps out the building and attempts to tear the rim down on every dunk.  Though undersized at the PF position, he makes up for with motor.

Mamadou Ndiyae (UC Irvine) - The dude is 7'6"...need I say more?  He's going to clog up the paint in that 2-3 zone.  Can't wait to see how this pans out.

All of Kentucky! - Karl Thomas was top prospect since he was a sophmore...in HIGH SCHOOL!  Dakari Johnson is a beast.  Willie Cauley-Smith is another beast.  Harrison twins (thank you for winning my 2014 March Madness pool) are back.  This creates match up problems for every team...in every position...with every skill set.  Now that's a lot of talent.  (Pause for applause to John Calipari)

Peter Hooley (Albany) - One of those stories of the tourney that you can't help but get behind.  After losing his mother to cancer, he hit the winning shot in their last regular season game.  You can't help but think maybe angels do exist.

I know a missing a few, but these are the ones really strike me.  2nd half of Round 2 is about to begin.  Happy March Madness!

Off The Court (Life): The Return

Ironically enough I have returned to blogging amidst ANOTHER Derrick Rose injury.  (Ouch!  I know that was too soon).  But as a die-hard Chicago Bulls fan, I think I'm allowed to vent a bit.

It's been almost three years since my last blog post and I would truly like to apologize to those who have stuck around.

My life has significantly changed since my third year at McGill University.  I am currently working a digital media company called Booje Media where I specialize in SEM and analytics.  Because it's somewhat of a start up, I wear lots of hats from copywriting to social media optimization.  This morning I wrote my first blog post for Booje and it reminded me of the days when I use to post frequently on here.

I don't know if it was the familiarity of writing that blog post, the influence of working in the digital industry, or the need to vent about Derrick Rose's injury.  Whatever the reason, I have revamped the blog, updated my profile, and returned to the blogging world.

Off The Court: Nokia + Deadmau5

What do you get when a multi-million dollar cellphone company celebrates it's new model, the Nokia Lumia, with Canada's top DJ, Deadmau5?  An outrageous free light show using a new 4-D technology at Millbank Tower in London, UK!

On The Court: Bynum Is Back

After coming back from a four-game suspension, Andrew Bynum, the center for the L.A. Lakers, put on a clinic.  Whether he was proving his worth or finally ready to show the world what he can do when he's healthy, Bynum started off the season with a chip on his shoulder.

And I can understand why.  I'll admit it, even I undervalued his skill based on his injury prone inconsistencies when comparing him to Dwight Howard in an earlier post.  But like I mentioned in the past, he's got pure size and he's effectively using it.  Blocking shots, grabbing rebounds, and scoring with strength and good footwork down low in the paint.  Bynum finished his first game of the season with 29 points and 13 rebounds.  He scored 18 points and boarded 16 rebounds in his second game.  He also scored 21 points and grabbed 22 rebounds in his third game.  These numbers alone have got me reevaluating his game.

Thus, resurrecting the trade rumors of Bynum for Howard, it seems to be not only more of a fair trade, but also beneficial for both teams as Howard seems more and more eager to leave Orlando with every passing game.  I really can't predict how long Bynum can stay healthy for, but at this pace, I feel the trade could really shake things up for Orlando acquiring the seven foot center, while a relocation for Howard could rejuvinate his spirit and his game!

On The Court: The Spanish Prospect

The highly anticipated Spanish point guard, Ricky Rubio, has not disappointed.  This intelligent playmaker has proved he can play since he was 14 years old, being  the youngest player ever to play in the Spanish ACB league.  At the age of 17, he was drafted for the Spanish National Team playing on the same stage as NBA All-Stars during the 2008 Beijing Summer Olympics.

Rubio is known for his high basketball IQ decision making, his fundamental skills, his finesse passes, and his vast court vision.  After being drafted 5th overall in 2009, a family decision was made to keep Rubio in Spain for one more year before playing for the Minnesota Timberwolves.

After hearing about all the hype around this spanish prospect and seeing him play confidently on the international level, I was excited to see him in action in Minnesota.  In his debut game, he put up 5 points, 6 rebounds, and 5 assists.  Although the numbers are not high due to limits in minutes played, what really caught my eye was how easy Rubio makes the game look.  He knows who to pass to, when to pass, and how to pass in various situations.  Not to mention, he makes it look natural, bringing some European flare to the Timberwolves.

Alongside with 2nd overall draft pick Derrick Williams and a rejuvenated Kevin Love, the Timberwolves' future is looking very bright.  In fact, I feel like I'm watching the OKC Thunder about three years ago.  With these additions to this team, Minnesota is definitely back on my radar.

Here's a video of highlights of Rubio playing Spain: