Hey guys, I know I haven't posted in a long time, I just wanted to announce that I'm going to start blogging again, but it'll all be done on my comedy group's website tWitsComedy.com
Please continue to follow me and read my writing, you won't be disappointed!
Thanks,
Tim
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Thursday, March 25, 2010
"I want the ball, coach"
Sweet 16.
The Bulldogs have been here before. They've seen the bright lights of March Madness in its finest over the course of Brad Stevens' short time there, but this is normally their exit. They're a solid one or two win team in everyone's bracket, but they couldn't beat Syracuse, right?
I'm not so sure about that. The smart money says the number one seed should handily win this game. The smart money says that Syracuse's size and skill advantage will put the tiny Bulldogs in peril early.
Then again, the smart money also picked Kansas to win it all, and they'll be watching tonight from the comfort of their own living room. The smart money has proven extremely unreliable this March, and if ever there were a team poised for a run in a March filled with upsets, it's this Bulldogs team.
Who better to win the tournament of the upset than the team from the historic Hinkle Fieldhouse? Who better to march into Indianapolis than the team from Indianapolis? Who better to represent Hoosier nation than the team hailing from the site of the game that inspired the movie Hoosiers?
It's farfetched. It's unlikely these Bulldogs will win tonight against the powerhouse Orange, but if I were Brad Stevens, this is what I'd say tonight...
We've hit our wall. This is where we are supposed to bow out, leave. Our clock just struck midnight. Millions have filled out brackets this year, and not even your mothers expected you to make an Elite Eight run against a number one seed. The Orange are favored by 7.5 points tonight. No one is betting on us tonight. Gordon, Matt, you two are moth Horizon League Players of the Year. You're our backbone, but you have to realize that this game isn't about you.
You will play in Hinkle Fieldhouse again, in front of some of the greatest fans in the nation, but there are players on this team who won't. Tonight, we play for our seniors. We play to bring them back to Indianapolis. We're three wins from playing the championship game in Lucas Oil Stadium, at home. We are 2-0 versus teams in the Sweet Sixteen. No one left in this tournament has beaten us, including this Syracuse team. We are the most lethal team here. Everyone is afraid of us. We are a coiled spring ready to jump, and when we do, these teams will take notice. Fifty-six years ago, a high school team from Milan came into Butler Fieldhouse, our house, and a boy named Bobby Plump hit the shot heard around the world. That shot, however, would never have been possible if they didn't, two games earlier, defeat Crispus Attucks, featuring Hall of Fame guard Oscar "The Big O" Robertson. Tonight is our semi-state. Tonight, we face our Crispus Attucks. Tonight, we will shut down our Oscar Robertson. Tonight, we continue the dream and the fight, because maybe, just maybe, if we can beat the Orange, we can bring the same banner that these fifteen other teams are fighting for back to the home of the greatest upset in American history.
So let's go out there, and make Bobby Plump proud. And who knows, maybe someday 56 years from now, a young coach will tell his "outmatched" basketball team about the greatest Cinderella story in the history of the NCAA basketball tournament.
I just checked my watch, right now the time is ten o'clock. In two hours, it will be midnight for someone. Let's make sure it's not us.
The Bulldogs have been here before. They've seen the bright lights of March Madness in its finest over the course of Brad Stevens' short time there, but this is normally their exit. They're a solid one or two win team in everyone's bracket, but they couldn't beat Syracuse, right?
I'm not so sure about that. The smart money says the number one seed should handily win this game. The smart money says that Syracuse's size and skill advantage will put the tiny Bulldogs in peril early.
Then again, the smart money also picked Kansas to win it all, and they'll be watching tonight from the comfort of their own living room. The smart money has proven extremely unreliable this March, and if ever there were a team poised for a run in a March filled with upsets, it's this Bulldogs team.
Who better to win the tournament of the upset than the team from the historic Hinkle Fieldhouse? Who better to march into Indianapolis than the team from Indianapolis? Who better to represent Hoosier nation than the team hailing from the site of the game that inspired the movie Hoosiers?
It's farfetched. It's unlikely these Bulldogs will win tonight against the powerhouse Orange, but if I were Brad Stevens, this is what I'd say tonight...
We've hit our wall. This is where we are supposed to bow out, leave. Our clock just struck midnight. Millions have filled out brackets this year, and not even your mothers expected you to make an Elite Eight run against a number one seed. The Orange are favored by 7.5 points tonight. No one is betting on us tonight. Gordon, Matt, you two are moth Horizon League Players of the Year. You're our backbone, but you have to realize that this game isn't about you.
You will play in Hinkle Fieldhouse again, in front of some of the greatest fans in the nation, but there are players on this team who won't. Tonight, we play for our seniors. We play to bring them back to Indianapolis. We're three wins from playing the championship game in Lucas Oil Stadium, at home. We are 2-0 versus teams in the Sweet Sixteen. No one left in this tournament has beaten us, including this Syracuse team. We are the most lethal team here. Everyone is afraid of us. We are a coiled spring ready to jump, and when we do, these teams will take notice. Fifty-six years ago, a high school team from Milan came into Butler Fieldhouse, our house, and a boy named Bobby Plump hit the shot heard around the world. That shot, however, would never have been possible if they didn't, two games earlier, defeat Crispus Attucks, featuring Hall of Fame guard Oscar "The Big O" Robertson. Tonight is our semi-state. Tonight, we face our Crispus Attucks. Tonight, we will shut down our Oscar Robertson. Tonight, we continue the dream and the fight, because maybe, just maybe, if we can beat the Orange, we can bring the same banner that these fifteen other teams are fighting for back to the home of the greatest upset in American history.
So let's go out there, and make Bobby Plump proud. And who knows, maybe someday 56 years from now, a young coach will tell his "outmatched" basketball team about the greatest Cinderella story in the history of the NCAA basketball tournament.
I just checked my watch, right now the time is ten o'clock. In two hours, it will be midnight for someone. Let's make sure it's not us.
Thursday, March 11, 2010
An Open Letter to Greg Ballard
Dear Mr. Mayor, Mr. Ballard, Greg
So I read an interesting article in today's IndyStar. Those crazy bastards seem to think that you sold the city's water and sewer systems to Citizens Energy Corp. because you're afraid to raise rates. You know how the IndyStar can be, with their ridiculous claims...
Wait, I'm receiving word that you not only have admitted to this, but are saying that it's "the right thing to do."
Right for whom, might I ask? Right for the citizens of Indianapolis? Is it right to sell the entirety of one industry's resources to one company? Keep in mind we're talking about an industry that the citizens of Indianapolis can't live without. We're not going to go back to the well and the outhouse over this, but we will end up paying more money. You let Citizens Energy monopolize the water industry and we're going to be shortening our showers at the very least, that's for damn sure.
Pop quiz: Why did Indianapolis buy out the water industry in 2002?
Answer: Because interest rates had skyrocketed under private ownership due to a lack of competition.
Now I'm not saying that we shouldn't be spending more money on our infrastructure. We can and should increase spending on our utilities, but I don't believe that privatization is the right way to do that.
The one thing this move showed me, Greg, is that I haven't given you enough credit. All these years, I thought you had no clue why you were elected, but this shows that you get it. You know exactly why the simple slogan of "Had Enough?" would manage to get even a novice like you elected over an incumbent. You've realized that you free rode your way into office on the coattails of property tax increases that had nothing to do with Bart Peterson. You understand that water rates need to be raised, but you don't have the balls to do it yourself, so you're passing the buck onto Citizens Energy.
Yeah Greg, THAT'S what a leader does. When the tough decisions are laid on your desk, you throw up your hands and say "Don't Ask Me!" Do you think the voters will forget this a year and a half from now when they're paying twice as much for water because of this decision? They won't. I know you can smell what the Democrats are cookin', and you know that no matter who gets the nomination, you're going to lose one year from November. This decision won't save you. If you had the balls to make an unpopular decision, I think you'd be surprised how Hoosiers would respond. At least then, you'd show you have the courage to lead.
Greg, you've disappointed me again. This was a cowardly move, and I hope the voters don't hurt your feelings too badly in the polls. Good luck and godspeed.
Oh, and if you want some help, I can fix your administration and your reelection bid in one day, with enough time for a long lunch. My email is hicklet@indiana.edu
Something tells me I won't be hearing from you, and neither will the rest of the city after 2011.
Love,
Timmy Elmo Hickle
So I read an interesting article in today's IndyStar. Those crazy bastards seem to think that you sold the city's water and sewer systems to Citizens Energy Corp. because you're afraid to raise rates. You know how the IndyStar can be, with their ridiculous claims...
Wait, I'm receiving word that you not only have admitted to this, but are saying that it's "the right thing to do."
Right for whom, might I ask? Right for the citizens of Indianapolis? Is it right to sell the entirety of one industry's resources to one company? Keep in mind we're talking about an industry that the citizens of Indianapolis can't live without. We're not going to go back to the well and the outhouse over this, but we will end up paying more money. You let Citizens Energy monopolize the water industry and we're going to be shortening our showers at the very least, that's for damn sure.
Pop quiz: Why did Indianapolis buy out the water industry in 2002?
Answer: Because interest rates had skyrocketed under private ownership due to a lack of competition.
Now I'm not saying that we shouldn't be spending more money on our infrastructure. We can and should increase spending on our utilities, but I don't believe that privatization is the right way to do that.
The one thing this move showed me, Greg, is that I haven't given you enough credit. All these years, I thought you had no clue why you were elected, but this shows that you get it. You know exactly why the simple slogan of "Had Enough?" would manage to get even a novice like you elected over an incumbent. You've realized that you free rode your way into office on the coattails of property tax increases that had nothing to do with Bart Peterson. You understand that water rates need to be raised, but you don't have the balls to do it yourself, so you're passing the buck onto Citizens Energy.
Yeah Greg, THAT'S what a leader does. When the tough decisions are laid on your desk, you throw up your hands and say "Don't Ask Me!" Do you think the voters will forget this a year and a half from now when they're paying twice as much for water because of this decision? They won't. I know you can smell what the Democrats are cookin', and you know that no matter who gets the nomination, you're going to lose one year from November. This decision won't save you. If you had the balls to make an unpopular decision, I think you'd be surprised how Hoosiers would respond. At least then, you'd show you have the courage to lead.
Greg, you've disappointed me again. This was a cowardly move, and I hope the voters don't hurt your feelings too badly in the polls. Good luck and godspeed.
Oh, and if you want some help, I can fix your administration and your reelection bid in one day, with enough time for a long lunch. My email is hicklet@indiana.edu
Something tells me I won't be hearing from you, and neither will the rest of the city after 2011.
Love,
Timmy Elmo Hickle
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Rushing to Conclusions
As a political science guy, I've always been really interested as to if any one party is more rational than the other. Both parties claim to be superior, but could that all be a hoax. Unfortunately, we have no real quantitative data to make the argument one way or the other. Sure, there are fringe groups out there that aren't rational (hello Tea Party, Westboro Baptist Church, etc.) but those two examples don't prove that Republicans are, by nature irrational. With the Republican Party shrinking, however, and most traditional Republicans being booted from office by angry voters, there is no real party leadership. Consequently, the man most Republicans are taking marching orders from now is Rush "El Rushbo" Limbaugh. Unfortunately (<
I wish I could make a joke here, but I can't, because it's impossible to mock something this ridiculous. I don't understand what the hell Limbaugh is talking about, but he just gave Democrats a definite reason to pass healthcare legislation. My greatest hope and prayer is that he DOES move to Costa Rica, hates it, and tries to come back, just to find out how extremely impossible the immigration process actually is in this nation. Then, when his visa runs out, I'll be the first one to call border patrol, because we need to keep those lazy illegal immigrants out of our country, right Rush?
"I don't know. I'll just tell you this, if this passes and it's five years from now and all that stuff gets implemented, I am leaving the country. I'll go to Costa Rica."
Good for you, Rush. You see something you don't like and you jump ship. Granted, if a liberal would've said, for example, that they would move to Canada if George W. Bush got reelected, as several did in 2004, you'd call them "unpatriotic" and say that they "hate their country." No, good for you. Stand up for what you believe. Move to the Costa Rican paradise where they run their entire infrastructure with internal combustion diesel engines, all the citizens are white and Protestant, and you have to work hard to earn your healthcare!
Holds finger to ear... getting something over my earpiece.
I'm sorry, we are just now receiving word that Costa Rica is actually one of the best nations in the world at sustainability. They are consistently one of the greenest places on earth. They do not have a military, they support gay rights, they consistently elect social democrats to their presidency... and wait, one more thing... They have universal health care.
WHAT?!?!
So to escape the "liberal hell hole" that Limbaugh thinks America has become, he's going to the liberal capital of the world? Why? So he can scare 25% of their population to vehemently opposing their administration as well? That's like a New Yorker saying "I hate the conservative bias here, I'm going to move to Texas!" or an alter boy leaving a church saying "there are a lot of rapes that go on there, I should go to Carmel!"
I wish I could make a joke here, but I can't, because it's impossible to mock something this ridiculous. I don't understand what the hell Limbaugh is talking about, but he just gave Democrats a definite reason to pass healthcare legislation. My greatest hope and prayer is that he DOES move to Costa Rica, hates it, and tries to come back, just to find out how extremely impossible the immigration process actually is in this nation. Then, when his visa runs out, I'll be the first one to call border patrol, because we need to keep those lazy illegal immigrants out of our country, right Rush?
God Bless Irony.
Monday, March 8, 2010
Hoosier Daddy?
As many of you know, I'm a born and raised Hoosier. My earliest memories are of basketball. I only remember three things from my childhood before the age of five:
1. Reggie Miller's 8 points in 9 seconds.
2. Watching Bobby Knight's Hoosiers with my dad.
3. Going to the park and watching the big kids play basketball there.
I've lived in Indianapolis for my entire life, I'm the product of two IU alums, and Indiana has always been my dream school. As a kid, I dreamed of the day that I'd be able to be a part of the Indiana basketball tradition in Assembly Hall (and being a season ticket holder is close enough for me). So since I'm so obsessed, I get a lot of questions from people who don't understand the traditions. The biggest question I get is this...
"Hey Tim, what the hell is a Hoosier?"
Well, many Hoosier historians would argue that there is no good definition for that because there is not a definitive root of the word.
I say to hell with them. I know what a Hoosier is, and I saw hundreds of them on Saturday.
So what is a Hoosier? A Hoosier has spirit and fight. A Hoosier is unconventional, but effective. A Hoosier is someone who never says quit. A Hoosier is a hustler, a scrapper, a fighter. A Hoosier is satisfied with the effort, but craves the results. A true Hoosier never takes the easy way out, even if it will lead to the same result. A true Hoosier believes in himself and the Hoosiers that he surrounds himself with. A Hoosier stands up for the love of the fight.
Take it from a lifelong Hoosiers fan. It's been awhile since I've seen a true Hoosier on that court. Saturday, I saw a whole team of them. Led by Jordan Hulls and Derek Elston, This team beat a favored Wildcats team, but that wasn't what is most impressive. What most impressed me was the fluidity with which the ball flowed from Capobianco to Hulls to Elston. These three played out of their minds with hustle and heart. Couple that with the always-skilled play of Christian Watford, and this team had one hell of a game.
I'd argue, however, that this is a Hoosier team that can come out of nowhere next year. Right now, even the most optimistic are projecting that we've got a dark horse bid for an NIT appearance next year. I'd counter by saying this...
If we match our opponents rebounds this season, we go .500. Throw Maurice Creek back in this equation and we would win a few more games. Give Hulls, Watford, Elston, and Capobianco (who all appear to be starting next season with Pritchard coming off the bench) a year to develop, we win a few more. Guess what, if you do all that, you have the 2010-11 Indiana Hoosiers.
I'm not ready to jump on making projections, but I will say this much, my projection will ride on one thing: What happens to Bawa this offseason?
Bawa is a very physically intimidating player due to his 6-11 frame, but he appears overwhelmed my more athletically skilled players in the post. Give him an offseason with a coach like Tom Crean and I think he can bank in a double-double every night, but then again, I'm coming from a childhood watching a coach who could take any five guys from the YMCA and take them to the NCAA tournament in three months.
Here's my guarantee. If we can get the following out of our lineup next season, we have a dark horse shot to dance in March.
Bawa- Get big. Gain ten pounds. Work those boards and get used to scoring in the paint. Learn as much as you can this summer and come back ready to put yourself on the map.
Elston- Stay hungry. You played out of your mind on Saturday and I KNOW you can do that every night if you have to. Do it. You're too skilled a player to suffer from a Sophomore slump. Get out there and physically dominate your opponent. Oh, and get a couple more tattoos. The "scary mofo" look is really working for you.
Creek- Get healthy, bud. Like it or not, you're the most skilled player on this team. Without our best player, we've suffered this season, but I believe in you. Come back healthy and ready to play. I believe in you.
Watford- Keep your role the same as it was this year. It will be really tempting with Creek back in the picture to drop back and disappear. DON'T. You're so talented both skillfully and physically. When you're on, you're on and you're the reason that we won those four games in the Big Ten this year. Go out there and be the reason we get more wins next year.
Hulls- Play EXACTLY like you played on Saturday every day of your career. Between the eight threes and the fact that your court vision was insane, you really came to play. Do that every day and I guarantee you're helping us win in Indianapolis in a few years.
Jones III- Calm it down, buddy. You're a great guard, but make sure that doesn't get the better of you. Remember you also have a great team around you, and believe in them as much as they believe in you.
Capobianco- Play like you have the past three games. Statistically, you haven't come up huge, but your general attitude and hustle is contagious. Do that over the offseason and I guarantee that your teammates pick it up.
Incoming Freshmen- Know your role. You're here to win games. You're here to beat Purdue. You're here to beat MSU. You're here to do what no one expects this program to do. You're here to be Hoosiers, and Hoosiers know how to do one thing better than anything else... The improbable.
I know you all are going to be skeptical, but the one thing that we all must remember is that no one would've picked Milan, not even Bobby Plump. Some of the most well-respected doctors in Southern California never gave Reggie the chance to walk. Larry Legend wasn't born into basketball, but he was born to shoot 500 free throws every morning. The Big O grew up in the dust bowl in an Indianapolis ghetto. The 1976 team wasn't supposed to go undefeated, but then again Bobby Knight wasn't supposed to lead a team of nobody's to a gold medal either.
So what is a Hoosier?
A Hoosier is the centerpiece of the greatest underdog story in history. Nothing is impossible with a Hoosier. Not even another banner by 2013.
Now guys, let's make it happen.
1. Reggie Miller's 8 points in 9 seconds.
2. Watching Bobby Knight's Hoosiers with my dad.
3. Going to the park and watching the big kids play basketball there.
I've lived in Indianapolis for my entire life, I'm the product of two IU alums, and Indiana has always been my dream school. As a kid, I dreamed of the day that I'd be able to be a part of the Indiana basketball tradition in Assembly Hall (and being a season ticket holder is close enough for me). So since I'm so obsessed, I get a lot of questions from people who don't understand the traditions. The biggest question I get is this...
"Hey Tim, what the hell is a Hoosier?"
Well, many Hoosier historians would argue that there is no good definition for that because there is not a definitive root of the word.
I say to hell with them. I know what a Hoosier is, and I saw hundreds of them on Saturday.
So what is a Hoosier? A Hoosier has spirit and fight. A Hoosier is unconventional, but effective. A Hoosier is someone who never says quit. A Hoosier is a hustler, a scrapper, a fighter. A Hoosier is satisfied with the effort, but craves the results. A true Hoosier never takes the easy way out, even if it will lead to the same result. A true Hoosier believes in himself and the Hoosiers that he surrounds himself with. A Hoosier stands up for the love of the fight.
Take it from a lifelong Hoosiers fan. It's been awhile since I've seen a true Hoosier on that court. Saturday, I saw a whole team of them. Led by Jordan Hulls and Derek Elston, This team beat a favored Wildcats team, but that wasn't what is most impressive. What most impressed me was the fluidity with which the ball flowed from Capobianco to Hulls to Elston. These three played out of their minds with hustle and heart. Couple that with the always-skilled play of Christian Watford, and this team had one hell of a game.
I'd argue, however, that this is a Hoosier team that can come out of nowhere next year. Right now, even the most optimistic are projecting that we've got a dark horse bid for an NIT appearance next year. I'd counter by saying this...
If we match our opponents rebounds this season, we go .500. Throw Maurice Creek back in this equation and we would win a few more games. Give Hulls, Watford, Elston, and Capobianco (who all appear to be starting next season with Pritchard coming off the bench) a year to develop, we win a few more. Guess what, if you do all that, you have the 2010-11 Indiana Hoosiers.
I'm not ready to jump on making projections, but I will say this much, my projection will ride on one thing: What happens to Bawa this offseason?
Bawa is a very physically intimidating player due to his 6-11 frame, but he appears overwhelmed my more athletically skilled players in the post. Give him an offseason with a coach like Tom Crean and I think he can bank in a double-double every night, but then again, I'm coming from a childhood watching a coach who could take any five guys from the YMCA and take them to the NCAA tournament in three months.
Here's my guarantee. If we can get the following out of our lineup next season, we have a dark horse shot to dance in March.
Bawa- Get big. Gain ten pounds. Work those boards and get used to scoring in the paint. Learn as much as you can this summer and come back ready to put yourself on the map.
Elston- Stay hungry. You played out of your mind on Saturday and I KNOW you can do that every night if you have to. Do it. You're too skilled a player to suffer from a Sophomore slump. Get out there and physically dominate your opponent. Oh, and get a couple more tattoos. The "scary mofo" look is really working for you.
Creek- Get healthy, bud. Like it or not, you're the most skilled player on this team. Without our best player, we've suffered this season, but I believe in you. Come back healthy and ready to play. I believe in you.
Watford- Keep your role the same as it was this year. It will be really tempting with Creek back in the picture to drop back and disappear. DON'T. You're so talented both skillfully and physically. When you're on, you're on and you're the reason that we won those four games in the Big Ten this year. Go out there and be the reason we get more wins next year.
Hulls- Play EXACTLY like you played on Saturday every day of your career. Between the eight threes and the fact that your court vision was insane, you really came to play. Do that every day and I guarantee you're helping us win in Indianapolis in a few years.
Jones III- Calm it down, buddy. You're a great guard, but make sure that doesn't get the better of you. Remember you also have a great team around you, and believe in them as much as they believe in you.
Capobianco- Play like you have the past three games. Statistically, you haven't come up huge, but your general attitude and hustle is contagious. Do that over the offseason and I guarantee that your teammates pick it up.
Incoming Freshmen- Know your role. You're here to win games. You're here to beat Purdue. You're here to beat MSU. You're here to do what no one expects this program to do. You're here to be Hoosiers, and Hoosiers know how to do one thing better than anything else... The improbable.
I know you all are going to be skeptical, but the one thing that we all must remember is that no one would've picked Milan, not even Bobby Plump. Some of the most well-respected doctors in Southern California never gave Reggie the chance to walk. Larry Legend wasn't born into basketball, but he was born to shoot 500 free throws every morning. The Big O grew up in the dust bowl in an Indianapolis ghetto. The 1976 team wasn't supposed to go undefeated, but then again Bobby Knight wasn't supposed to lead a team of nobody's to a gold medal either.
So what is a Hoosier?
A Hoosier is the centerpiece of the greatest underdog story in history. Nothing is impossible with a Hoosier. Not even another banner by 2013.
Now guys, let's make it happen.
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
What Tom Crean Needs to Say Tonight...
Here we are, Hoosier Nation. This has been, in the truest sense, a season on the brink. We lost our best player, ten straight games, but not our dignity. Tonight, we face arguably the best team in the Big Ten. There was a day not long ago that the Purdue Boilermakers were perennially petrified of the candy striped sweatpants. Today, however, they're probably most concerned with what lies ahead, a number one seed in the NCAA tournament and the challenge of defeating the best in college basketball without Robbie Hummel.
Hoosiers, this is your question to answer...
I hate to be the bearer of bad news to the Boiler faithful, but they should have some fear tonight. Our record may not reflect it, but we are the most dangerous team in the Big Ten right now. We're not the best, not by a long shot. We're not consistent, but we are talented, and we're very passionately driven. Lately, we've lacked our luster. We've struggled over the past few weeks, culminating in the worst home loss in school history, but there was one thing that we did that night that will resonate tonight and for the next three years.
We got pissed off.
We were tired of laying down as more experienced teams reminded us that our most veteran player is a Junior who is in his first year with the program. We were tired of being shafted by the officials at home and on the road alike. We were tired of being the pug fighting the pit bull. Tonight, we send a message to the entire nation. Tonight, we show them the same thing that we showed them on that fateful night in February when a miracle three was all that stood between us and "Spoiler up!"
Unlike February, however, the Boilers are without the guy who gave them 21 points and 7 rebounds. Granted, we're playing at Mackey Arena which will be hell for the young guys. I pray that Jordan Hulls made a couple trips there as an IU fan in the past, because he has to be on tonight and he can't be caught off guard. I hope Verdell Jones is ready to drive and that Christian Watford is ready to defend, but most importantly, I hope that Tom Pritchard shows up tonight.
Pritchard has had an alright college career for a guy who would probably be a solid backup anywhere else in the Big Ten. I've seen glimmers of hope throughout this year, but they've been so few and far between that I don't exactly know how much faith to put in the big man. My biggest fear about the Hoosiers' post presence has come true. We've got two breeds of big men on this team. In this corner, we have the skilled Pritchard who gets physically dominated by every opponent he faces, and in this corner, we have our physically dominant big men who look so terrified when the ball comes to them, they end up turning it over every time.
We've been bullied all year, and we've taken solace in the fact that they won't be able to bully us in two, maybe even one year. We've suffered blowouts and close losses, but throughout it all, we've almost always competed. To compete with these teams after what this program has gone through is downright unbelievable. What's more remarkable, however, is the fact that we've ran with teams that we shouldn't have run with for 35 minutes. Those last five minutes will come with experience, but running with Kentucky, Maryland, and Purdue doesn't happen for 35 minutes when you're starting three freshmen, a sophomore, and a junior in his first year with the program. We are a remarkable team, but no one will recognize that when we're losing ten straight games to teams that we can and should beat. Tonight is our last real chance to shock the nation before our run next year. This year, our only prayer to dance is a miracle in the Big Ten Tournament. Next year, two, three years from now, this won't be a concern by the time we hit March, but tonight is our March Madness. Tonight is our chance to dance back into the hearts of the fair-weather fans who left us. If you win tonight, the fans wouldn't care if you lost 20 straight. If you can beat nationally-ranked Purdue at home, (and you can), you will regain the faith of B-Town and Hoosier fan nationwide.
The only question that remains is not a matter of skill... We've proven that we have it.
It's not a matter of experience... We've proven that we need it.
It's not a matter of passion... We've proven there's no more we could have.
No, when the buzzer sounds tonight, only one question will remain.
Will the Indiana Hoosiers be national title contenders in this class's time in Bloomington?
Hoosiers, this is your question to answer...
Everyone has an opinion here. The hopeful think that we'll be dancing next year with title dreams by my junior year. Others think the rebuilding will take at least 5-10 years. Like it or not, however, there's no projections that are more likely than any other. With the leaps and bounds this team has made, coupled with its unpredictability, no one knows what will happen tonight let alone three years from now. So this question isn't addressed to the fans, it's addressed to you, in the candy striped sweatpants.
Hey, Christian Watford, can you raise Banner Number Six in the next three years?
Jordan Hulls?
Maurice Creek?
Bobby Capobianco?
This is not rhetorical. I expect an answer, but I expect that answer in the form of a win tonight, because if this team at its worst can win in Mackey, there's nothing we can't do in three years.
On that note, let's win this one tonight for all those fans who have been craving a banner since 1987.
On that note, let's win this one tonight for all those fans who have been craving a banner since 1987.
Friday, February 26, 2010
Crean and Crimson
Let me preface this by saying this much: This is Timmy Hickle's optimism. Everyone else on the face of the earth is skeptical of this Hoosier team, assuming the worst, but I believe. I believe not because we have the best team in the world, but because we are Hoosiers, and when you have the Hoosier mentality, nothing can keep you from a banner. Last night was the first time I saw that Hoosier mentality since 2002, so call me crazy, but I can see the light. Now onto the blog...
Last night in Assembly Hall, I witnessed two things...
1. I witnessed the worst home loss in our school's history, and to Wisconsin nonetheless.
2. I witnessed the moment that will live in our hearts when we raise Banner Number Six.
For those of you who missed the game, we were getting handled by the Badgers. Our performance was sloppy at best and the officiating was ugly as it's been all season. With 9:53 remaining, Tom Crean chewed out an official for the second time in the past minute. The official ejected him, but Crean wouldn't go quietly. He continued to argue, continued to fight, until he was escorted out...
BUT WAIT, HE'S NOT DONE!
He then stormed back on the court and began to scream again, as the crowd grew louder and louder in his favor. As he was escorted down the hallway, there is video of him hitting things as he walked down the hallway. The team continued to be overwhelmed by a Wisconsin team that, I would argue, was not more skilled as much as they were more experienced and organized. To the layman, this appears to be a disaster... Just another season of destruction in the post-Sampson era. To the true Hoosier fan, however, we noticed something...
While we couldn't hear what he said to the refs, any lifelong Hoosier fan heard a couple things going through their head...
"I'm sick and fucking tired of losing to fucking Purdue."
or,
"When my time on earth is gone, and my activities here have past, I want they bury me upside down so my critics can kiss my ass."
or maybe even,
"If the NBA were on channel five and a bunch of frogs making love was on channel four, I'd watch the frogs, even if the frogs were coming in fuzzy."
I'm not saying Tom Crean is the new General, but last night, for the first time since a Bobby Knight team graduated (under Mike Davis) we saw the Hoosier spirit reincarnated. We saw something that really resonates with Hoosier Nation.
You talk to me about one-and-dones? Bad memories.
You talk to me about big recruits? Bad connotations.
You talk to me about my head coach being thrown out after an emotional outburst? NOW we're talking about Hoosier basketball.
I just want to end this with one thought from Coach Crean after last night's game...
"I will never, ever apologize for my passion for believing what I think is right. The passion is the overriding emotion. It's not anything else."
Well, Tom, we're not asking for an apology, we're giving you a standing ovation. Now take that passion and make these guys ache in practice. I believe in them, you believe in them, it's your turn to make the nation believe in them.
Last night in Assembly Hall, I witnessed two things...
1. I witnessed the worst home loss in our school's history, and to Wisconsin nonetheless.
2. I witnessed the moment that will live in our hearts when we raise Banner Number Six.
For those of you who missed the game, we were getting handled by the Badgers. Our performance was sloppy at best and the officiating was ugly as it's been all season. With 9:53 remaining, Tom Crean chewed out an official for the second time in the past minute. The official ejected him, but Crean wouldn't go quietly. He continued to argue, continued to fight, until he was escorted out...
BUT WAIT, HE'S NOT DONE!
He then stormed back on the court and began to scream again, as the crowd grew louder and louder in his favor. As he was escorted down the hallway, there is video of him hitting things as he walked down the hallway. The team continued to be overwhelmed by a Wisconsin team that, I would argue, was not more skilled as much as they were more experienced and organized. To the layman, this appears to be a disaster... Just another season of destruction in the post-Sampson era. To the true Hoosier fan, however, we noticed something...
While we couldn't hear what he said to the refs, any lifelong Hoosier fan heard a couple things going through their head...
"I'm sick and fucking tired of losing to fucking Purdue."
or,
"When my time on earth is gone, and my activities here have past, I want they bury me upside down so my critics can kiss my ass."
or maybe even,
"If the NBA were on channel five and a bunch of frogs making love was on channel four, I'd watch the frogs, even if the frogs were coming in fuzzy."
I'm not saying Tom Crean is the new General, but last night, for the first time since a Bobby Knight team graduated (under Mike Davis) we saw the Hoosier spirit reincarnated. We saw something that really resonates with Hoosier Nation.
You talk to me about one-and-dones? Bad memories.
You talk to me about big recruits? Bad connotations.
You talk to me about my head coach being thrown out after an emotional outburst? NOW we're talking about Hoosier basketball.
I just want to end this with one thought from Coach Crean after last night's game...
"I will never, ever apologize for my passion for believing what I think is right. The passion is the overriding emotion. It's not anything else."
Well, Tom, we're not asking for an apology, we're giving you a standing ovation. Now take that passion and make these guys ache in practice. I believe in them, you believe in them, it's your turn to make the nation believe in them.
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
The Reason I'll Be Crying Like a Baby on Friday...
I'm a simple guy. For as opinionated as I am, I have very few actual "beliefs." I think that a public option on healthcare reform would help increase competition and improve the availability of quality care, but I don't believe it because a belief requires so much more conviction than a thought or an idea. A belief requires undoubting faith, and at this point in my life, I really only have three actual beliefs...
1. There is a God.
2. Education can fix anything.
3. I've seen crazier stuff happen in my life.
One and two are conversations for another time. Today, I want to discuss number three, something I'm sure many of you have heard me say before in my life. Anytime I face the improbable, I've got a go to phrase...
"I've seen crazier stuff happen in my life."
What's that, you might ask?
Once upon a time, there was a scrawny boy born in southern California. He was born with hip deformities and told it would be a miracle if he could walk...
Fast forward to May 7, 1995, and this little boy scored eight points in nine seconds to propel the Indiana Pacers to the most improbable comeback in NBA history. To this day, he is mentioned among the legends.
Little Timmy Hickle was four years old at the time, and while I may not remember much about 1995, that's something you never ever forget. This man is proof that impossible truly is nothing.
Friday is still three days away and yet my inner four year old is jumping for joy. For those of you who don't know, Friday is the early release party for Winning Time: Reggie Miller vs. The New York Knicks at Conseco Fieldhouse. I'll be there, Reggie will be there, it will be a fantastic time, but the reason I'm most excited isn't to get an autograph, but rather to relive one of the greatest rivalries in basketball history.
Today, the Pacers are abysmal. I love them, but they lost to the Timberwolves. 'Nuff said. The issue, however, isn't that my team isn't winning. Rather, the game as a whole has changed so dramatically from the game I fell in love with. No longer are there rivalries so intense that the very mention of the opposition makes the hair on the back of your neck stand up. The game has been like this since the early 2000's, but I never noticed because of the renewed rivalry between the Pacers and the Pistons, culminating in the brawl and subsequently ending after the Pacers' elimination in the 2005 Playoffs, marking the end of the Miller era. We had Reggie and Ron-Ron, two guys who are both extremely capable of getting into the opponent's head and destroying them psychologically. Now players are quieter, nicer, not trying to gouge out Michael Jordan's eyes or being head butt by John Starks. This game is less dramatic, and the drama is exactly what I miss the most.
Look at the NBA Finals last year. Boring. No smack talk, no bad blood, no excitement. I miss Reggie for the clutch shots, but even more for the theater he created. Dan Klores, the director of Winning Time has compared Reggie's story to an operatic comedy. I couldn't have put it better.
"What if I told you he was the reason the city never slept?" -Dan Klores
"To Reggie, Pacers versus Knicks was more than a basketball series. It was a battle of Biblical proportions. You had Indianapolis, the Holy city, and you had New York, Sodom and Gomorra." -Cheryl Miller
It's beautiful... I can't wait for it... and for those of you going with me, don't be surprised when I cry, because I will... a lot. Not because I'm sad, but at the beauty that is this epic tale.
Additionally, this is a reminder that we face our own "New York Knicks" every day. We all face insurmountable odds from time to time. We all have our own miracles to preform. I can think of half a dozen miracles I need over the course of the next five days. The one thing that Reggie reminded us, however, is that a miracle, at any point in time, is only nine seconds away.
Nine seconds is all I need. It's Miller Time.
I'd like to leave you with this... To quote Reggie in the clip "Game over, bitch."
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0ICBGQXbft8
1. There is a God.
2. Education can fix anything.
3. I've seen crazier stuff happen in my life.
One and two are conversations for another time. Today, I want to discuss number three, something I'm sure many of you have heard me say before in my life. Anytime I face the improbable, I've got a go to phrase...
"I've seen crazier stuff happen in my life."
What's that, you might ask?
Once upon a time, there was a scrawny boy born in southern California. He was born with hip deformities and told it would be a miracle if he could walk...
Fast forward to May 7, 1995, and this little boy scored eight points in nine seconds to propel the Indiana Pacers to the most improbable comeback in NBA history. To this day, he is mentioned among the legends.
Little Timmy Hickle was four years old at the time, and while I may not remember much about 1995, that's something you never ever forget. This man is proof that impossible truly is nothing.
Friday is still three days away and yet my inner four year old is jumping for joy. For those of you who don't know, Friday is the early release party for Winning Time: Reggie Miller vs. The New York Knicks at Conseco Fieldhouse. I'll be there, Reggie will be there, it will be a fantastic time, but the reason I'm most excited isn't to get an autograph, but rather to relive one of the greatest rivalries in basketball history.
Today, the Pacers are abysmal. I love them, but they lost to the Timberwolves. 'Nuff said. The issue, however, isn't that my team isn't winning. Rather, the game as a whole has changed so dramatically from the game I fell in love with. No longer are there rivalries so intense that the very mention of the opposition makes the hair on the back of your neck stand up. The game has been like this since the early 2000's, but I never noticed because of the renewed rivalry between the Pacers and the Pistons, culminating in the brawl and subsequently ending after the Pacers' elimination in the 2005 Playoffs, marking the end of the Miller era. We had Reggie and Ron-Ron, two guys who are both extremely capable of getting into the opponent's head and destroying them psychologically. Now players are quieter, nicer, not trying to gouge out Michael Jordan's eyes or being head butt by John Starks. This game is less dramatic, and the drama is exactly what I miss the most.
Look at the NBA Finals last year. Boring. No smack talk, no bad blood, no excitement. I miss Reggie for the clutch shots, but even more for the theater he created. Dan Klores, the director of Winning Time has compared Reggie's story to an operatic comedy. I couldn't have put it better.
"What if I told you he was the reason the city never slept?" -Dan Klores
"To Reggie, Pacers versus Knicks was more than a basketball series. It was a battle of Biblical proportions. You had Indianapolis, the Holy city, and you had New York, Sodom and Gomorra." -Cheryl Miller
It's beautiful... I can't wait for it... and for those of you going with me, don't be surprised when I cry, because I will... a lot. Not because I'm sad, but at the beauty that is this epic tale.
Additionally, this is a reminder that we face our own "New York Knicks" every day. We all face insurmountable odds from time to time. We all have our own miracles to preform. I can think of half a dozen miracles I need over the course of the next five days. The one thing that Reggie reminded us, however, is that a miracle, at any point in time, is only nine seconds away.
Nine seconds is all I need. It's Miller Time.
I'd like to leave you with this... To quote Reggie in the clip "Game over, bitch."
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0ICBGQXbft8
Friday, February 19, 2010
R.O.C.K. in the Senate?
Well, Bayh, I hope you're happy. Now that you've announced your retirement, not only have you sent Republicans scrambling for your seat, but you've also somehow managed to find worse candidates than yourself on the Democratic side to start popping up. The more I look at the potential candidates, I cringe, but it looks likely that Baron Hill will be the frontrunner.
Baron Hill, really?
Let me preface this by saying I'm a critic of all my elected officials, it's my responsibility as a citizen to know what they're doing and be dissatisfied with the results as I see fit. That being said, as the Representative for Indiana's ninth district, Hill has served on three committees including the Joint Economics Committee. Don't get me wrong, if you've got an econ guy running for office, sign me up because I can get on board with that, but he's not an econ guy. Not only is his degree in history, but he has received abysmally low ratings from interests groups for the American taxpayers. Now, I can give him credit in a couple of areas. Number one, he supported H.R. 2272, which was designed to put America back in the driver's seat in regards to science and mathematics education.
Honestly, if the election were today, that one vote is enough to keep me voting in his column. Despite the fact that he hasn't made a speech on education in the two years since he cast that vote, I can forgive him. But here's the deal, Baron. As a United States Senator, you should be one of the best citizens our state has to offer. Preferably, you should be in the top two. Indiana has a horrible history of electing unproductive senators who can't seem to make any noise when they reach Washington. Perhaps this is Hoosier Hospitality preventing them from rising in opposition, but I doubt it.
Hoosiers are leaders, not followers, so why is it that we are still yet to elect a single senator who could be an innovator? (The one exception to this rule could be said to be Dan Quayle who was not only the 44th Vice President of the United States, but also wasn't afraid to stick his neck out in the senate. I disagree with this assessment strictly because he was both intellectually and politically weak nationally.... Oh yeah, and he can't spell the word "potato"). Now, I'm not saying that Baron Hill is awful. He's good at his current job, representing southern Indiana. I don't believe, however, he's politically strong enough to carry his own weight in the Senate. Don't believe me? Go to his website, read a couple of position statements, and tell me how many times you see a buzz word. He's too weak for the seat... So who to choose, who to choose?
There's a lot of talk recently about John Mellencamp potentially making a run for the seat. All I can do is shrug and hope something crazy happens. Not only is there a strong push from several Hoosier groups, but Mellencamp has not denied the claims that he's running. Recently, his agent said that they have no statement on the issue, which raises two immediate questions...
1.) Why would the same man who said "I don't want to be a politician. I don't like politics. It's petty; it fights dirty" run for the United States Senate?
2.) Is there actually a chance he could fight authority and NOT have authority win?
My answer to both is we don't know. I don't buy that he's about to run out of nowhere, but then again, I could see it happening. I feel like after 2008, he has hit a point where he'd get involved strictly to "fight authority."
But wait folks, here's the beauty... If Mellencamp runs, I guarantee a victory. Not only will he win, but he has a chance to do something that no Hoosier politician has ever done, make a national splash that can actually make a difference in this nation. He can be our Al Franken, but with more spunk. The best part? Those walls that have been holding Indianapolis back politically and economically?
They'll come tumblin' down.
Baron Hill, really?
Let me preface this by saying I'm a critic of all my elected officials, it's my responsibility as a citizen to know what they're doing and be dissatisfied with the results as I see fit. That being said, as the Representative for Indiana's ninth district, Hill has served on three committees including the Joint Economics Committee. Don't get me wrong, if you've got an econ guy running for office, sign me up because I can get on board with that, but he's not an econ guy. Not only is his degree in history, but he has received abysmally low ratings from interests groups for the American taxpayers. Now, I can give him credit in a couple of areas. Number one, he supported H.R. 2272, which was designed to put America back in the driver's seat in regards to science and mathematics education.
Honestly, if the election were today, that one vote is enough to keep me voting in his column. Despite the fact that he hasn't made a speech on education in the two years since he cast that vote, I can forgive him. But here's the deal, Baron. As a United States Senator, you should be one of the best citizens our state has to offer. Preferably, you should be in the top two. Indiana has a horrible history of electing unproductive senators who can't seem to make any noise when they reach Washington. Perhaps this is Hoosier Hospitality preventing them from rising in opposition, but I doubt it.
Hoosiers are leaders, not followers, so why is it that we are still yet to elect a single senator who could be an innovator? (The one exception to this rule could be said to be Dan Quayle who was not only the 44th Vice President of the United States, but also wasn't afraid to stick his neck out in the senate. I disagree with this assessment strictly because he was both intellectually and politically weak nationally.... Oh yeah, and he can't spell the word "potato"). Now, I'm not saying that Baron Hill is awful. He's good at his current job, representing southern Indiana. I don't believe, however, he's politically strong enough to carry his own weight in the Senate. Don't believe me? Go to his website, read a couple of position statements, and tell me how many times you see a buzz word. He's too weak for the seat... So who to choose, who to choose?
There's a lot of talk recently about John Mellencamp potentially making a run for the seat. All I can do is shrug and hope something crazy happens. Not only is there a strong push from several Hoosier groups, but Mellencamp has not denied the claims that he's running. Recently, his agent said that they have no statement on the issue, which raises two immediate questions...
1.) Why would the same man who said "I don't want to be a politician. I don't like politics. It's petty; it fights dirty" run for the United States Senate?
2.) Is there actually a chance he could fight authority and NOT have authority win?
My answer to both is we don't know. I don't buy that he's about to run out of nowhere, but then again, I could see it happening. I feel like after 2008, he has hit a point where he'd get involved strictly to "fight authority."
But wait folks, here's the beauty... If Mellencamp runs, I guarantee a victory. Not only will he win, but he has a chance to do something that no Hoosier politician has ever done, make a national splash that can actually make a difference in this nation. He can be our Al Franken, but with more spunk. The best part? Those walls that have been holding Indianapolis back politically and economically?
They'll come tumblin' down.
Thursday, February 18, 2010
No Great Wall of Indy.
So here I am... Sitting in Ballentine, taking a break from the tedious process of studying for an exam. To set the scene, I'm wearing a Pacers t-shirt, Pacers hat, and reading about our three point loss to the Spurs last night. I'm trying my hardest to grasp on to any sliver of hope I have for this team to win the greatest title we could possibly reach for...
The Number One Pick.
Here's the issue. As of right now, we're tied for fourth place for least wins in the league. We're not going to beat the Nets, but if we can get enough ping pong balls, there's a good chance that we can still get the #1 slot.
I know how great John Wall is. He is going to be the #1 pick regardless of what happens to the Wildcats in March. He is undoubtedly one of the most skilled one guards to ever come out of the NCAA. Think about it for a second. If we managed to land this slot, we'd be starting next year with the following lineup...
5- Roy Hibbert
4- Tyler Hansbrough
3- Danny Granger
2- Brandon Rush
1- John Wall
We're talking about two all stars in Danny and Wall and two players in Hansbrough and Hibbert that can be dominant figures on the rotation of a winning team. With AJ Price and Dahntay Jones on the bench, we have some depth at guard. We have no depth at the 4 and 5 slots, which will be an issue with a foul-prone Hibbert, but we're going shopping for an aging big man in 2012.
"But Tim, What about Murphy and Dunleavy? Why aren't you talking about them?"
We need to boot them, STAT.
Don't get me wrong, they're good players, but they're average compared to other NBA starters and they'd be riding the pine anywhere else in the league. If I were Larry Legend, I'd be working my ass off calling other miserable teams trying to get a second top-ten draft choice. As much as Wall would help us, could you imagine a front court of Roy Hibbert and DeMarcus Cousins?
However unlikely it is, it's something to think about. When you compile these expiring contracts with a second and/or third round draft pick, we just might be able to get someone to bite. All that aside, however, the most important thing to realize is that we need two things immediately, and two more things in the long run.
Right now, we need a new coach and a great point guard.
O'Brein's contract is over at the end of next season. If we renew his contract, we're selling ourselves short. There is no excuse for a team with as many skilled players as we have to be playing this inconsistently. If you can't win, then you can't win, but when you can beat the Magic and lose to the Timberwolves in the same week, you know you have an issue on the bench, not on the court.
Bring in a good coach, and a great point guard, suddenly this offense will work. Assuming Brandon Rush can start to gain some consistency in his third year in the league, this is a team that will have one of the best starting lineups in the league. Let's say, hypothetically, that we DO get John Wall, let's compare the lineup I mentioned to one of the most well-rounded starting lineups in the league currently.
Pacers Lakers Advantage
Tim, Derek Fisher has won three titles! You think some rookie phenom can come out and dominate him.
Without a doubt. John Wall is physically dominant. When he gets to the NBA, if he learns how to run the offense, he can and will be the guy who dwarfs the Allen Iversons of the past.
Mike Vanderjact, to this day the most accurate kicker in NFL history, but he's out of a job. Was it because of one missed field goal? No. He lost his job because he missed a clutch kick, then joked about it on Letterman.
That's not being the best you can be.
Don't be so sure.
The Number One Pick.
Here's the issue. As of right now, we're tied for fourth place for least wins in the league. We're not going to beat the Nets, but if we can get enough ping pong balls, there's a good chance that we can still get the #1 slot.
I know how great John Wall is. He is going to be the #1 pick regardless of what happens to the Wildcats in March. He is undoubtedly one of the most skilled one guards to ever come out of the NCAA. Think about it for a second. If we managed to land this slot, we'd be starting next year with the following lineup...
5- Roy Hibbert
4- Tyler Hansbrough
3- Danny Granger
2- Brandon Rush
1- John Wall
We're talking about two all stars in Danny and Wall and two players in Hansbrough and Hibbert that can be dominant figures on the rotation of a winning team. With AJ Price and Dahntay Jones on the bench, we have some depth at guard. We have no depth at the 4 and 5 slots, which will be an issue with a foul-prone Hibbert, but we're going shopping for an aging big man in 2012.
"But Tim, What about Murphy and Dunleavy? Why aren't you talking about them?"
We need to boot them, STAT.
Don't get me wrong, they're good players, but they're average compared to other NBA starters and they'd be riding the pine anywhere else in the league. If I were Larry Legend, I'd be working my ass off calling other miserable teams trying to get a second top-ten draft choice. As much as Wall would help us, could you imagine a front court of Roy Hibbert and DeMarcus Cousins?
However unlikely it is, it's something to think about. When you compile these expiring contracts with a second and/or third round draft pick, we just might be able to get someone to bite. All that aside, however, the most important thing to realize is that we need two things immediately, and two more things in the long run.
Right now, we need a new coach and a great point guard.
O'Brein's contract is over at the end of next season. If we renew his contract, we're selling ourselves short. There is no excuse for a team with as many skilled players as we have to be playing this inconsistently. If you can't win, then you can't win, but when you can beat the Magic and lose to the Timberwolves in the same week, you know you have an issue on the bench, not on the court.
Bring in a good coach, and a great point guard, suddenly this offense will work. Assuming Brandon Rush can start to gain some consistency in his third year in the league, this is a team that will have one of the best starting lineups in the league. Let's say, hypothetically, that we DO get John Wall, let's compare the lineup I mentioned to one of the most well-rounded starting lineups in the league currently.
Pacers Lakers Advantage
5- Roy Hibbert Andrew Bynum Pacers
4- Tyler Hansbrough Paul Gasol Lakers
3- Danny Granger Ron Artest Pacers
2- Brandon Rush Kobe Bryant Lakers
1- John Wall Derek Fisher Pacers
What the hell, Tim? You really think Roy Hibbert has an advantage over Andrew Bynum?!
Yes. Roy is going to be a third year player next year, Bynum will be in his fifth year. Bynum has hit his prime. As you look at his totals, it appears he's not going to get any better than a 15.2 PPG and 8.2 RPG guy. Hibbert, however, is improving by the game. Currently, he's averaging 11.1 PPG and 5.9 RPG (compared to 7.1 and 3.4 respectively his rookie year). By this time next year, he'll be averaging about the same as Bynum and he's a much more dominant presence on defense.
But Tim, you said you love Ron-Ron! Why do you think he's worse than Danny?
Because he is. While he was once the most dominant defenders in the league, he's become washed up. He's old news. His glory days were in Indiana, not in LA.
Tim, Derek Fisher has won three titles! You think some rookie phenom can come out and dominate him.
Without a doubt. John Wall is physically dominant. When he gets to the NBA, if he learns how to run the offense, he can and will be the guy who dwarfs the Allen Iversons of the past.
Granted, the Lakers have much more depth in their bigs than we do, but depth comes after skill upfront, not before it.
Now, here's the dilemma. When I look at John Wall, I don't see Indiana basketball. I know what it looks like when I see it, and as great as he is, he belongs in New Jersey, Golden State, Washington, or Sacramento. He's a coast player. Coast teams care about being the best team in the league that year. Midwest fans, Indiana especially, prefer to be the best that they can be in all aspects of the game.
Case and point: Ron Artest, one of the greatest defenders in NBA history, kicked out of town because of fan protest. Not because we thought he was bad for the team, but bad for the community and culture of the city.
Mike Vanderjact, to this day the most accurate kicker in NFL history, but he's out of a job. Was it because of one missed field goal? No. He lost his job because he missed a clutch kick, then joked about it on Letterman.
That's not being the best you can be.
You miss a kick, you lose a game... Indiana will still accept you. We may not love you or throw down $150/ticket to watch you play, but we'll still accept you and wait patiently for you to come around. If you compromise our values, however, you won't be so lucky. We're a bitter group, us Hoosiers, and we'll get you. Just ask the sell out crowd that came to see Ron Artest's return to Conseco with the Kings. Not only was there deafening boos whenever he touched the ball, but when the ball ricocheted into the stands, a middle aged woman grabbed it and heaved it, Peyton Manning style, pegging Artest in the back of the head.
John Wall is a great player, but he cheated to get where he is today. This scares me. He's the best player in this draft, but I'm not convinced he's best for the Hoosier state.
Rings or not, I'd rather have Reggie than Starks, Dungy over Bellicheck.
Rings or not, I'd rather have Reggie than Starks, Dungy over Bellicheck.
So as the ping pong balls bounce this June, who've you got? John Wall?
Don't be so sure.
Friday, February 5, 2010
A Bandwagon Lament Part 2
Maybe I'm just crazy... Maybe.
Maybe I'm alone in the corner with Tom Crean as the only two people who still believe in Banner Six, but the more I watch this team, the more converts I see. I know we lost last night, but I guarantee in the coming years, February 4th, 2010 will a day that we remember as a turning point.
Two years ago, our team was undermined and destroyed. Last year, we were in shambles. This year, even the most optimistic fans were just hoping we could turn the corner, but the general consensus was that this rebuilding process would take years.
Ladies and gentlemen, introducing the new Indiana Hoosiers.
Out of nowhere, Tom "The Wall" Pritchard learned how to play basketball. Christian Watford looked like he had inherited some Kobe chromosomes, and Devan Dumes apparently picked up some defense at the NBA's Goodwill. What surprised me the most, however, was the passionate play of freshman Jordan Hulls. As a Bloomington South kid, Hulls is born and raised Cream and Crimson, so I fully expected him to come out at the beginning of the game and just start shooting. As a born-and-raised Hoosier, when it's IU-Purdue, you want---no---you NEED to be the hero. Now, don't be mistaken, his nerves showed, but despite his scrambling around midcourt late into the shot clock, his nerves didn't negatively impact us. By keeping his emotions in check (and two key threes didn't hurt), Hulls proved that (despite my fears), we DO have a reliable guard to run the offense in the future. As skilled as Jeremiah Rivers is, he plays with his heart. As much as I love watching his sick crossovers, there's only so much patience I can have with the guy who insists on driving into the lane and chucking the ball at the backboard every time we need points. Yet another question mark answered. So let's look at our team next year without our next recruiting class.
Tom Pritchard- With a very loud 13 points, 5 rebounds, and a steal, "The Wall" who was once known most for having balls bounce off him has established a post presence that we've been lacking. If he can play for the rest of the season with half the intensity he displayed in the first half last night, we've got a hell of a team to watch
Christian Watford- Beast. His stats speak for themselves. I'm not going to elaborate because it's unnecessary.
Verdell Jones III- My greatest fear about him going into this season is that he has sticky hands. He wants the ball (good), but he wants to keep it when he shouldn't (bad). He's skilled, however, and he's learned how to work with the team. Come next year, everyone will know his name.
Maurice Creek- Remember me? I guarantee... yes... GUARANTEE that if Maurice Creek was healthy last night we win that game. Regardless, he's the centerpiece of this team. This is the guy that's going to make it on the Tshirts. "Got Creek?" perhaps? Maybe you prefer something else, but one thing is sure, when he comes back, we won't be Up a Creek Without a Paddle.
Jordi Hulls- The glue holding together our lineup. This kid has it. He's skilled, but we knew that. Now we know that he has mental fortitude. He showed courage not in a lack of nerves, but rather a conquering of his nerves. This is the first test, but give this kid two years and he'll be leading the charge towards Banner Six.
So maybe I'm crazy, or maybe Crean knows what he's doing. Maybe this team has what it takes. For those of you who aren't along for the ride right now, I beg you to jump on board now. This team is the next great story in Indiana basketball.
First, there was Milan.
Then there was Bobby, Reggie, Larry Legend.
Now, there's Tom Crean and the next generation of Hoosier Hysteria.
From Bobby Plump to Bobby Knight and everyone inbetween, we've seen too many legends in Indiana to not recognize one when he's coaching our sidelines.
Banner Six, here we come.
Maybe I'm alone in the corner with Tom Crean as the only two people who still believe in Banner Six, but the more I watch this team, the more converts I see. I know we lost last night, but I guarantee in the coming years, February 4th, 2010 will a day that we remember as a turning point.
Two years ago, our team was undermined and destroyed. Last year, we were in shambles. This year, even the most optimistic fans were just hoping we could turn the corner, but the general consensus was that this rebuilding process would take years.
Ladies and gentlemen, introducing the new Indiana Hoosiers.
Out of nowhere, Tom "The Wall" Pritchard learned how to play basketball. Christian Watford looked like he had inherited some Kobe chromosomes, and Devan Dumes apparently picked up some defense at the NBA's Goodwill. What surprised me the most, however, was the passionate play of freshman Jordan Hulls. As a Bloomington South kid, Hulls is born and raised Cream and Crimson, so I fully expected him to come out at the beginning of the game and just start shooting. As a born-and-raised Hoosier, when it's IU-Purdue, you want---no---you NEED to be the hero. Now, don't be mistaken, his nerves showed, but despite his scrambling around midcourt late into the shot clock, his nerves didn't negatively impact us. By keeping his emotions in check (and two key threes didn't hurt), Hulls proved that (despite my fears), we DO have a reliable guard to run the offense in the future. As skilled as Jeremiah Rivers is, he plays with his heart. As much as I love watching his sick crossovers, there's only so much patience I can have with the guy who insists on driving into the lane and chucking the ball at the backboard every time we need points. Yet another question mark answered. So let's look at our team next year without our next recruiting class.
Tom Pritchard- With a very loud 13 points, 5 rebounds, and a steal, "The Wall" who was once known most for having balls bounce off him has established a post presence that we've been lacking. If he can play for the rest of the season with half the intensity he displayed in the first half last night, we've got a hell of a team to watch
Christian Watford- Beast. His stats speak for themselves. I'm not going to elaborate because it's unnecessary.
Verdell Jones III- My greatest fear about him going into this season is that he has sticky hands. He wants the ball (good), but he wants to keep it when he shouldn't (bad). He's skilled, however, and he's learned how to work with the team. Come next year, everyone will know his name.
Maurice Creek- Remember me? I guarantee... yes... GUARANTEE that if Maurice Creek was healthy last night we win that game. Regardless, he's the centerpiece of this team. This is the guy that's going to make it on the Tshirts. "Got Creek?" perhaps? Maybe you prefer something else, but one thing is sure, when he comes back, we won't be Up a Creek Without a Paddle.
Jordi Hulls- The glue holding together our lineup. This kid has it. He's skilled, but we knew that. Now we know that he has mental fortitude. He showed courage not in a lack of nerves, but rather a conquering of his nerves. This is the first test, but give this kid two years and he'll be leading the charge towards Banner Six.
So maybe I'm crazy, or maybe Crean knows what he's doing. Maybe this team has what it takes. For those of you who aren't along for the ride right now, I beg you to jump on board now. This team is the next great story in Indiana basketball.
First, there was Milan.
Then there was Bobby, Reggie, Larry Legend.
Now, there's Tom Crean and the next generation of Hoosier Hysteria.
From Bobby Plump to Bobby Knight and everyone inbetween, we've seen too many legends in Indiana to not recognize one when he's coaching our sidelines.
Banner Six, here we come.
Thursday, February 4, 2010
A Call To Action
Ladies and Gentlemen, I want you to take note.
We are approaching a turning point in our society. The world has shrunk to the size of my Macbook and now the whole world fits in my backpack. Consequently, we are now in competition with the rest of the world over everything. Right now, we're winning. Congratulations, America. One thing you have to realize, however, is that we've gotten lucky.
Who is carrying us right now? Today, the younger generation is holding onto the coattails of the baby boomers. They're the ones running the show. There are two reasons for this:
1.) They are more experienced.
2.) They are better than their generation anywhere else in the world.
Over the past thirty years, America's ranking in education has been slipping. We're now "middle of the pack" on a global scale and at the bottom among other first-world nations.
Pop Quiz: What is the number one influence to building a nation's GDP? Is it...
A.) Low Taxes
B.) Increased capital
C.) Increased labor
D.) Education
If you guessed D, you're correct.
Watch what happens next. The baby boomers are in their victory lap. They're retiring soon. Once they're gone, it's up to us. Our university-educated populace will take the reigns, but you'd be shocked who can slip through the cracks of a University. We'll try our damndest, but we won't be able to keep up with other nations, because even though their kids went to the same universities our kids went to, their kids left with a much higher GPA and much more retention of information.
Where are we in Indianapolis?
Indiana is ranked 24th in the nation. Just breaking the top half of American test scores. We're no Alaska (46) or Arizona (50), but we have a long way to go before we can even be the best in a relatively poor nation academically.
What people don't realize is that whoever decides to take the education initiative seriously over the next decade is going to be the next superpower. Both nationally and locally, we have to take this seriously.
Let's imagine this for a second... Indianapolis creates a new education initiative that will actually work. We rise to the top of the nation and bring up the national average. Suddenly, businesses start to notice and migrate. Our economy booms and now the 13th largest city in the US becomes larger, richer, with more wealth to spread around. If we get a system that works, we could become the new Empire State.
We can make everyone better off and improve the quality of life for all Hoosiers. We're standing on the edge of history right now, and the choices we make today will define what language our great grandchildren will be doing business in.
There is one person who wants to keep that language English and put America back on top. Brian Williams (not the NBC anchor) is running for mayor of Indianapolis. This man is the one man who can give us hope for a successful tomorrow by fighting for it today. As a member of the board of directors for IndyReads, Brian gets it. He knows what we're facing, and he is willing to step up to the plate.
So tell me, Indianapolis. Today, on the brink of history, who has your vote?
We are approaching a turning point in our society. The world has shrunk to the size of my Macbook and now the whole world fits in my backpack. Consequently, we are now in competition with the rest of the world over everything. Right now, we're winning. Congratulations, America. One thing you have to realize, however, is that we've gotten lucky.
Who is carrying us right now? Today, the younger generation is holding onto the coattails of the baby boomers. They're the ones running the show. There are two reasons for this:
1.) They are more experienced.
2.) They are better than their generation anywhere else in the world.
Over the past thirty years, America's ranking in education has been slipping. We're now "middle of the pack" on a global scale and at the bottom among other first-world nations.
Pop Quiz: What is the number one influence to building a nation's GDP? Is it...
A.) Low Taxes
B.) Increased capital
C.) Increased labor
D.) Education
If you guessed D, you're correct.
Watch what happens next. The baby boomers are in their victory lap. They're retiring soon. Once they're gone, it's up to us. Our university-educated populace will take the reigns, but you'd be shocked who can slip through the cracks of a University. We'll try our damndest, but we won't be able to keep up with other nations, because even though their kids went to the same universities our kids went to, their kids left with a much higher GPA and much more retention of information.
Where are we in Indianapolis?
Indiana is ranked 24th in the nation. Just breaking the top half of American test scores. We're no Alaska (46) or Arizona (50), but we have a long way to go before we can even be the best in a relatively poor nation academically.
What people don't realize is that whoever decides to take the education initiative seriously over the next decade is going to be the next superpower. Both nationally and locally, we have to take this seriously.
Let's imagine this for a second... Indianapolis creates a new education initiative that will actually work. We rise to the top of the nation and bring up the national average. Suddenly, businesses start to notice and migrate. Our economy booms and now the 13th largest city in the US becomes larger, richer, with more wealth to spread around. If we get a system that works, we could become the new Empire State.
We can make everyone better off and improve the quality of life for all Hoosiers. We're standing on the edge of history right now, and the choices we make today will define what language our great grandchildren will be doing business in.
There is one person who wants to keep that language English and put America back on top. Brian Williams (not the NBC anchor) is running for mayor of Indianapolis. This man is the one man who can give us hope for a successful tomorrow by fighting for it today. As a member of the board of directors for IndyReads, Brian gets it. He knows what we're facing, and he is willing to step up to the plate.
So tell me, Indianapolis. Today, on the brink of history, who has your vote?
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Can I Get My Degree Wherever Tony Bennett Got His?
I am absolutely baffled as to how anyone on Indiana's Senate Education Committee ever graduated college... Nay, high school... with their current level of ignorance. See, ignorance has many levels, but the state legislature has managed to reach a new level that makes Rush Limbaugh look like a college professor.
So what has the Education Committee done that has me up in arms? Superintendent of Public Instruction, Tony Bennett, announced on Tuesday that the committee will be pushing for drastic educational reform in Indiana that will essentially make quality educators extinct.
The proposal consists of the following: Teachers will be divided into four subcategories based predominantly on students' results on standardized test scores. Teachers placed in Group 4 will receive bonuses from the state. Teachers placed in group 1 will be dismissed. New teachers who do not receive an adequate score within the six years following the issuing of their teaching license will have their license revoked. Failing schools will be privatized by the state until test scores are to an adequate level. If a university produces enough students who are not successful as teachers, they will lose their accreditation.
First and foremost, don't get me started on the potential privatization of low-income schools. If you want to talk to me about that issue further, I'll draw a couple diagrams explaining how that aspect of the proposal will bankrupt Indianapolis, IPS, and raise the drop out rates.
As for the other restrictions, this is going to essentially make it impossible for any quality educator to retain a job. Talk to any teacher, they got their start at a low income school. Most teachers aren't lucky enough to get high-testing students early in their career, but this experience leads to their growth. The greatest teacher I ever had, Marilyn Miles, spent the majority of her career at Manual High School, in the ghetto.
Bottom line: Revoke the licenses of teachers in bad schools, you will lose the best teachers you have and our entire educational system will slip even further.
So let's look at this from a teacher's perspective...
I'm a young teacher, straight out of Ball State University with one of the best educational programs in the nation. Several young teachers out of BSU tend to gravitate towards programs such as Teach for America or towards a lower-income school to gain experience. Needless to say, these programs tend to rank dead last in high-stake testing as most children are far under reading level. So now here's the problem... If I take a job in IPS, where I know I can be hired, I will likely lose my license to teach regardless of my performance. Do I take a chance and put my career in the hands of students: 1,529 of which are homeless, 3,463 aren't fluent in English (the language they're required to take the required testing in), 84% of which have to receive financial aid from the state. We live in a state where 33% of working adults are functionally illiterate and the number is significantly higher among children.
...I don't know if I trust these kids... But can these teachers be trusted under this pressure. It has been proven that the more high-stakes testing take place in school, the higher propensity teachers have to cheat. This is no fault of their own. Imagine for just a second that you will lose your career if a third grader who never learned how to read English being up to grade level over the course of 180 days.
Scary, eh?
I'm not going to lie, I'd cheat, too if I were put in a situation by the state where I would lose my license to do what I love when the task they expect me to complete is impossible because of... guess who...
That's right, the state.
Hey Indiana, do you ever wonder why we rank so low in literacy in a nation that ranks 19th in the world in literacy (despite our high spending on education)? The answer: We have a government that has no regard for educating children, they just want to appear to be doing something so you can't be upset with them. I'm not going to get into the dozens of educational mistakes that both state and national legislature have made over the past few decades, because I don't have 48 hours to talk, but if this legislation passes, I'm homeschooling my niece and nephew until I can get elected to change it.
I always thought that our government would kill off a species someday, I just never thought that species would be quality educators.
So what has the Education Committee done that has me up in arms? Superintendent of Public Instruction, Tony Bennett, announced on Tuesday that the committee will be pushing for drastic educational reform in Indiana that will essentially make quality educators extinct.
The proposal consists of the following: Teachers will be divided into four subcategories based predominantly on students' results on standardized test scores. Teachers placed in Group 4 will receive bonuses from the state. Teachers placed in group 1 will be dismissed. New teachers who do not receive an adequate score within the six years following the issuing of their teaching license will have their license revoked. Failing schools will be privatized by the state until test scores are to an adequate level. If a university produces enough students who are not successful as teachers, they will lose their accreditation.
First and foremost, don't get me started on the potential privatization of low-income schools. If you want to talk to me about that issue further, I'll draw a couple diagrams explaining how that aspect of the proposal will bankrupt Indianapolis, IPS, and raise the drop out rates.
As for the other restrictions, this is going to essentially make it impossible for any quality educator to retain a job. Talk to any teacher, they got their start at a low income school. Most teachers aren't lucky enough to get high-testing students early in their career, but this experience leads to their growth. The greatest teacher I ever had, Marilyn Miles, spent the majority of her career at Manual High School, in the ghetto.
Bottom line: Revoke the licenses of teachers in bad schools, you will lose the best teachers you have and our entire educational system will slip even further.
So let's look at this from a teacher's perspective...
I'm a young teacher, straight out of Ball State University with one of the best educational programs in the nation. Several young teachers out of BSU tend to gravitate towards programs such as Teach for America or towards a lower-income school to gain experience. Needless to say, these programs tend to rank dead last in high-stake testing as most children are far under reading level. So now here's the problem... If I take a job in IPS, where I know I can be hired, I will likely lose my license to teach regardless of my performance. Do I take a chance and put my career in the hands of students: 1,529 of which are homeless, 3,463 aren't fluent in English (the language they're required to take the required testing in), 84% of which have to receive financial aid from the state. We live in a state where 33% of working adults are functionally illiterate and the number is significantly higher among children.
...I don't know if I trust these kids... But can these teachers be trusted under this pressure. It has been proven that the more high-stakes testing take place in school, the higher propensity teachers have to cheat. This is no fault of their own. Imagine for just a second that you will lose your career if a third grader who never learned how to read English being up to grade level over the course of 180 days.
Scary, eh?
I'm not going to lie, I'd cheat, too if I were put in a situation by the state where I would lose my license to do what I love when the task they expect me to complete is impossible because of... guess who...
That's right, the state.
Hey Indiana, do you ever wonder why we rank so low in literacy in a nation that ranks 19th in the world in literacy (despite our high spending on education)? The answer: We have a government that has no regard for educating children, they just want to appear to be doing something so you can't be upset with them. I'm not going to get into the dozens of educational mistakes that both state and national legislature have made over the past few decades, because I don't have 48 hours to talk, but if this legislation passes, I'm homeschooling my niece and nephew until I can get elected to change it.
I always thought that our government would kill off a species someday, I just never thought that species would be quality educators.
Brizzilicious Definition: Make the Voters Snarl
Which is worse:
Having sex with a 15-year old girl, or assisting in the theft of $207 Million?
What the hell are you talking about, Tim?
The only reason I bring this up is because as I read more about the Ohio Fair Financial scandal involving Marion County Prosecutor, Carl Brizzi, his statements sound very familiar.
Brizzi had known about the company for awhile. He had invested thousands of dollars into it, and served on the board of directors. He was in just as deep as anyone involved in the scandal, and once he read the investigation in the IBJ, he didn't jump ship because he was just becoming aware of the scandal. He's not stupid. He put his money, time, and influence into making sure that this scheme would make him cash. When the IBJ investigated, Carl learned one piece of information: Now his constituents are on to him. He jumps ship and hopes all is well, but then decides not to seek reelection.
If you read his post (found at http://www.carlbrizzi.com/blogDisplay.aspx?blogID=113 ) you will find his language being fairly recognizable. It's the same tone taken by every guest on NBC's mid-00 hit, Dateline: To Catch a Predator.
The impression I get is that the IBJ was Brizzi's Chris Hanson. Just like the predators who show up to the Dateline house, Carl knows what he's doing is wrong, but will never admit it until someone merely tells him that someone else knows his agenda. So, unsurprisingly, the underproductive prosecutor who hasn't done much of significance since his reelection will not be seeking his office for a third term.
Maybe instead he can spend some time with the folks he's been locking up for a few years. :0)
Having sex with a 15-year old girl, or assisting in the theft of $207 Million?
What the hell are you talking about, Tim?
The only reason I bring this up is because as I read more about the Ohio Fair Financial scandal involving Marion County Prosecutor, Carl Brizzi, his statements sound very familiar.
Brizzi had known about the company for awhile. He had invested thousands of dollars into it, and served on the board of directors. He was in just as deep as anyone involved in the scandal, and once he read the investigation in the IBJ, he didn't jump ship because he was just becoming aware of the scandal. He's not stupid. He put his money, time, and influence into making sure that this scheme would make him cash. When the IBJ investigated, Carl learned one piece of information: Now his constituents are on to him. He jumps ship and hopes all is well, but then decides not to seek reelection.
If you read his post (found at http://www.carlbrizzi.com/blogDisplay.aspx?blogID=113 ) you will find his language being fairly recognizable. It's the same tone taken by every guest on NBC's mid-00 hit, Dateline: To Catch a Predator.
The impression I get is that the IBJ was Brizzi's Chris Hanson. Just like the predators who show up to the Dateline house, Carl knows what he's doing is wrong, but will never admit it until someone merely tells him that someone else knows his agenda. So, unsurprisingly, the underproductive prosecutor who hasn't done much of significance since his reelection will not be seeking his office for a third term.
Maybe instead he can spend some time with the folks he's been locking up for a few years. :0)
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Spoiler Up!
Before I begin, let me just say that I've seen every Hoosier game thus far and I know what we are.
We're young, inexperienced, and undisciplined.
We're the same team today that lost to Loyola in December.
We're also the same team that played with Kentucky for 3/4 of the game, Maryland for 7/8 of the game, and beat Pitt and Michigan.
What I saw in the recent overtime victory against Minnesota, however, proved to me that we have all the components it takes to pull one of the biggest upsets of the year.
Spoiler up!
Yes, I am ACTUALLY naive enough to think that this young Hoosier team that has done more to blow leads than Lindsay Lohan has done to blow celebrities has a chance to upset a nationally ranked Boilers team that is projected to dance late into March.
Why so confident?
Because this team has played with every team they've played bar Ohio State. They've shut down next year's #1 draft pick and they've neutralized numerous big name players. The one thing separating them from an NCAA bid this season is the fact that they are yet to play 40 minutes of basketball. If they played the last five minutes like they played the first 35 versus Maryland, they would've won. If they played the last ten minutes like they played the first 30 versus Kentucky, they would've won. If this team would've played 40 minutes in every game they've played this season, we'd be looking at a nationally ranked team at this point.
Unfortunately, they haven't, but last Sunday they were forced to do more than that... Play 45.
Granted, they did blow a huge lead in the last six or seven minutes, but they made up for it in overtime. They were lucky enough to save themselves this time. So call me naive, call me shortsighted, call me optimistic, I think that when Purdue comes into Assembly Hall, they're in for a surprise.
Maybe we get 35 competitive minutes, maybe we get a win. Regardless, these Hoosiers will not go down quietly.
We're young, inexperienced, and undisciplined.
We're the same team today that lost to Loyola in December.
We're also the same team that played with Kentucky for 3/4 of the game, Maryland for 7/8 of the game, and beat Pitt and Michigan.
What I saw in the recent overtime victory against Minnesota, however, proved to me that we have all the components it takes to pull one of the biggest upsets of the year.
Spoiler up!
Yes, I am ACTUALLY naive enough to think that this young Hoosier team that has done more to blow leads than Lindsay Lohan has done to blow celebrities has a chance to upset a nationally ranked Boilers team that is projected to dance late into March.
Why so confident?
Because this team has played with every team they've played bar Ohio State. They've shut down next year's #1 draft pick and they've neutralized numerous big name players. The one thing separating them from an NCAA bid this season is the fact that they are yet to play 40 minutes of basketball. If they played the last five minutes like they played the first 35 versus Maryland, they would've won. If they played the last ten minutes like they played the first 30 versus Kentucky, they would've won. If this team would've played 40 minutes in every game they've played this season, we'd be looking at a nationally ranked team at this point.
Unfortunately, they haven't, but last Sunday they were forced to do more than that... Play 45.
Granted, they did blow a huge lead in the last six or seven minutes, but they made up for it in overtime. They were lucky enough to save themselves this time. So call me naive, call me shortsighted, call me optimistic, I think that when Purdue comes into Assembly Hall, they're in for a surprise.
Maybe we get 35 competitive minutes, maybe we get a win. Regardless, these Hoosiers will not go down quietly.
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Reg-gie! Reg-gie!
Hey folks! Sorry again for the delay. I've got a lot to cover this week, but let's start with first things first...
"The Team of Destiny"
Oh, New York media, how I've missed thee. It feels like an eternity since you demonized Miller Time and called my Pacers a group of hicks. Now I have to deal with your spin machine again and, truth be told, I kind of missed it. Where would we be, after all, if Tim Donaghy wasn't rigging games and Spike Lee wasn't tripping the Blue and Gold as they ran down the court?
Ah, the memories are rushing back. Hicks Beat Knicks. Buzzer beaters, 8 points in 8.9 seconds. And at the center, just like last time, is an overly zealous, vocal punk. Spike Who? No, Mr. Rex Ryan. The same Rex Ryan who declared midway through the season that his team was out of the playoffs is now in the AFC Championship and has declared his team the "Team of Destiny." He has already handed out Super Bowl Itineraries to all of his players and likely has his swimming trunks packed for a relaxing trip to Miami. I'm just hoping he also bought himself a ticket to the game, or he won't be getting in.
Let's take a second to recall exactly why the Jets made the playoffs to begin with...
The Colts FOLDED.
I was there. I watched our team play only half of our defensive starters and later pull our entire offense minus a few key linemen. Before Curtis Painter was inserted for Manning, we were up by five.
Wait, what?
The Colts, even without their most essential defensive players, were beating the Jets by FIVE.
The Jets didn't score an offensive touchdown until we pulled all our starters. If not for a miracle special teams touchdown, the Jets may not be in the playoffs today.
So, Rex, you feeling lucky? Do you seriously think that your team, which could barely beat our second string when we had nothing to play for and you were fighting for your lives, is good enough to even play a competitive game with the greatest quarterback to ever play the game?
Say what you want about "destiny" and "david versus goliath" because in the end, your team is here because Caldwell WANTS them here. This entire city and organization knows that you aren't any match for us. Nice game last week against a Chargers' team that has never made any noise in the postseason when playing a quarterback not named "Manning," but you have to internalize one thing.
Just like 2000, The Big Apple will be turned into Big Applesauce by the one greatest city in the world.
Empire State? Try Hoosier State.
The only difference between the Colts of today and the Pacers of the 90's is the Colts have learned from Reggie's mistakes. We're not going to provoke the New York Post, Spike Lee, or any other New Yorker, because they'll be spinning the game all week, and they'll have a great time writing their columns about "The Team of Destiny" when they're on the plane back to East Rutherford.
More to come later today about the Hoosiers. Spoiler Up!
"The Team of Destiny"
Oh, New York media, how I've missed thee. It feels like an eternity since you demonized Miller Time and called my Pacers a group of hicks. Now I have to deal with your spin machine again and, truth be told, I kind of missed it. Where would we be, after all, if Tim Donaghy wasn't rigging games and Spike Lee wasn't tripping the Blue and Gold as they ran down the court?
Ah, the memories are rushing back. Hicks Beat Knicks. Buzzer beaters, 8 points in 8.9 seconds. And at the center, just like last time, is an overly zealous, vocal punk. Spike Who? No, Mr. Rex Ryan. The same Rex Ryan who declared midway through the season that his team was out of the playoffs is now in the AFC Championship and has declared his team the "Team of Destiny." He has already handed out Super Bowl Itineraries to all of his players and likely has his swimming trunks packed for a relaxing trip to Miami. I'm just hoping he also bought himself a ticket to the game, or he won't be getting in.
Let's take a second to recall exactly why the Jets made the playoffs to begin with...
The Colts FOLDED.
I was there. I watched our team play only half of our defensive starters and later pull our entire offense minus a few key linemen. Before Curtis Painter was inserted for Manning, we were up by five.
Wait, what?
The Colts, even without their most essential defensive players, were beating the Jets by FIVE.
The Jets didn't score an offensive touchdown until we pulled all our starters. If not for a miracle special teams touchdown, the Jets may not be in the playoffs today.
So, Rex, you feeling lucky? Do you seriously think that your team, which could barely beat our second string when we had nothing to play for and you were fighting for your lives, is good enough to even play a competitive game with the greatest quarterback to ever play the game?
Say what you want about "destiny" and "david versus goliath" because in the end, your team is here because Caldwell WANTS them here. This entire city and organization knows that you aren't any match for us. Nice game last week against a Chargers' team that has never made any noise in the postseason when playing a quarterback not named "Manning," but you have to internalize one thing.
Just like 2000, The Big Apple will be turned into Big Applesauce by the one greatest city in the world.
Empire State? Try Hoosier State.
The only difference between the Colts of today and the Pacers of the 90's is the Colts have learned from Reggie's mistakes. We're not going to provoke the New York Post, Spike Lee, or any other New Yorker, because they'll be spinning the game all week, and they'll have a great time writing their columns about "The Team of Destiny" when they're on the plane back to East Rutherford.
More to come later today about the Hoosiers. Spoiler Up!
Saturday, January 16, 2010
"We're gunna be winners"
Let me preface this by apologizing for my week long absence. I've been really busy trying to figure my schedule out this week, but now I'm back, baby, so let's talk football.
Now I could talk about the Colts and Ravens, how the Colts' run defense is going to have to have an out-of-body experience if Peyton wants to see the ball more than one quarter. I could talk about how Addai and Brown have looked paraplegic as of late. Today's game, however, isn't what I want to talk about.
Now I could talk about the Colts and Ravens, how the Colts' run defense is going to have to have an out-of-body experience if Peyton wants to see the ball more than one quarter. I could talk about how Addai and Brown have looked paraplegic as of late. Today's game, however, isn't what I want to talk about.
Today, I want us to just sit back and reflect on the past decade of Colts' football.
Ten years. Nine playoff appearances. One Super Bowl. Dozens of NFL records broken.
Win or lose today, what we have witnessed as Colts fans is one of the best teams in NFL history, led by the closest thing that football has to a "god." Granted, the lack of Super Bowl rings puts a blemish on his record, but when you run an offense the way Peyton Manning has run the Colts' offense, there's no one who can disrespect the man or the player.
I think there's an easy comparison here to Reggie Miller. No one appreciated exactly how much he meant to the Pacers until he was gone. We loved him, we chanted his name over and over, but once he was gone, Pacers fans were almost shell-shocked. We were so spoiled and accustomed to greatness. So for just this one day, I want all Colts fans to remember that, regardless of who comes out on top today, what we're witnessing is special and beautiful. Sports fans wait their entire life to witness greatness in their teams. We're witnessing it right now. Savor this, because if you're like me, you remember the losing seasons and you know that there were years that you'd kill for .500 let alone 14-2.
Next week, I'll be sharing my reactions to today's game, thoughts on Carl Brizzi's decision not to seek reelection, and the Pacers sudden discovery of their "element." See you tomorrow! Go Colts!
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
An Ode to the "Vince Farter" Guys
Let me preface this blog with the following statement:
As I age, I hope to mature, and if I ever get to a point in my life when I show up to a Pacers/Magic game wearing a custom made tshirt that reads "Vince Farter" and later have it confiscated by security, I pray that you, as my friends, will kill me.
Moving on... I have two issues I want to address tonight. First and foremost, I'd like to congratulate Roy Hibbert for proving me right once again. Anyone who has given up indefinitely on our 11-23 Pacers, I'd just like to say this: When you combine the center that managed to shut down and neutralize the best center in the league with Danny Granger, you have a recipe for a team that can and will do work in the central division. This season is a wash. Our record is bad, we're not healthy, and we are lacking guard play. Next season, however, you have to keep an eye on this team iff (this is the only time in the real world that I can use the "if and only if" symbol from geometry. Boom roasted.) Larry Bird wises up and does the following.
1. Boot Jim O'Brien. Take the reigns as coach. Make triumphant return to the league and try to inspire these guys like you inspired Reggie to stay in '98.
2. Draft a solid point guard who can ACTUALLY direct the flow of play. Ditch Ford. He's lost his starting position two years in a row. That should be a big tip that he's not reliable. Play Luther Head as a backup PG and keep Rush as a sixth man.
3. Bring back the shooting. About two or three years ago, we never took a shot outside the three point arc. This year, we wouldn't shoot there if Gilbert Arenas held a gun to our head. Find a solid, reliable shooting guard and bring him in. We have room in the salary cap. If we can start Hibbert, Hansbrough, Granger, New Shooting Guard, and Rookie PG, we're destined to be a team that can dethrone The King in the central.
Now second order of business.
David Stern, how's it going, buddy? Have a seat, we need to chat.
Gilbert Arenas is not returning this season, right? I know how much you like to play that "chip on your shoulder" card when someone defies your authority. Remember Artest? Remember how he was suspended for an entire season after being physically assaulted? I do.
So why is it, David, that you waited until today to suspend Gilbert Arenas indefinitely for pulling a gun on his teammate on Christmas Eve? I know that the report wasn't filed until New Years Day, but what could possibly take you five days to figure out?
So let's think about this for a second...
Ron Artest is physically assaulted by a fan and defends himself.
Suspended all year immediately without pay, including playoffs. Bye bye, Ronnie.
Gilbert Arenas assaults a teammate with a deadly weapon. David Stern takes two weeks to respond.
Please, David, make the right choice. That's all I've got tonight.
As I age, I hope to mature, and if I ever get to a point in my life when I show up to a Pacers/Magic game wearing a custom made tshirt that reads "Vince Farter" and later have it confiscated by security, I pray that you, as my friends, will kill me.
Moving on... I have two issues I want to address tonight. First and foremost, I'd like to congratulate Roy Hibbert for proving me right once again. Anyone who has given up indefinitely on our 11-23 Pacers, I'd just like to say this: When you combine the center that managed to shut down and neutralize the best center in the league with Danny Granger, you have a recipe for a team that can and will do work in the central division. This season is a wash. Our record is bad, we're not healthy, and we are lacking guard play. Next season, however, you have to keep an eye on this team iff (this is the only time in the real world that I can use the "if and only if" symbol from geometry. Boom roasted.) Larry Bird wises up and does the following.
1. Boot Jim O'Brien. Take the reigns as coach. Make triumphant return to the league and try to inspire these guys like you inspired Reggie to stay in '98.
2. Draft a solid point guard who can ACTUALLY direct the flow of play. Ditch Ford. He's lost his starting position two years in a row. That should be a big tip that he's not reliable. Play Luther Head as a backup PG and keep Rush as a sixth man.
3. Bring back the shooting. About two or three years ago, we never took a shot outside the three point arc. This year, we wouldn't shoot there if Gilbert Arenas held a gun to our head. Find a solid, reliable shooting guard and bring him in. We have room in the salary cap. If we can start Hibbert, Hansbrough, Granger, New Shooting Guard, and Rookie PG, we're destined to be a team that can dethrone The King in the central.
Now second order of business.
David Stern, how's it going, buddy? Have a seat, we need to chat.
Gilbert Arenas is not returning this season, right? I know how much you like to play that "chip on your shoulder" card when someone defies your authority. Remember Artest? Remember how he was suspended for an entire season after being physically assaulted? I do.
So why is it, David, that you waited until today to suspend Gilbert Arenas indefinitely for pulling a gun on his teammate on Christmas Eve? I know that the report wasn't filed until New Years Day, but what could possibly take you five days to figure out?
So let's think about this for a second...
Ron Artest is physically assaulted by a fan and defends himself.
Suspended all year immediately without pay, including playoffs. Bye bye, Ronnie.
Gilbert Arenas assaults a teammate with a deadly weapon. David Stern takes two weeks to respond.
Please, David, make the right choice. That's all I've got tonight.
Monday, January 4, 2010
Countdown to 2011: Search for a Super Mayor
As many of you know, November 2011 is the next mayoral election in Indianapolis. What many people don't realize yet, however, is how pivotal this election will be. Indianapolis is currently the 12th largest city in the nation and one of the larger landlocked cities in the world. We are the brilliant hybrid of a big city and a small town and we've managed to become one of the most popular convention locations in the world, the amateur sports capital of the world, and the automotive racing capital of the world. Over the past decade, however, we've hit a glass ceiling. We have two of the greatest sports facilities in the world as well as one of the most popular convention centers in the world, and yet we still fail to consistently compete with locations from New York and Chicago to Atlanta and Miami for the largest events such as Super Bowls and the Olympics. Despite the fact that we host the Indianapolis 500 and the Brickyard 400 every year and have consistently thrived, the rest of the nation and the world fails to see us as more than an "average" city. Sure, we have the 2012 Super Bowl, but the NFL Players Association is expected by several insiders to go on strike during the 2011 season.
Despite this, however, the 2012 Super Bowl is likely to be a go. So the real question we have to address as a city is this: Who do we want to be running our city when the entire world is watching us?
We could reelect Greg Ballard, the man who stole an election... *ehem* Sorry, pulled "the greatest political upset in Indiana history" with a little help from the Marion County Assessor. So do we want the Capital Improvement Board in the disaster that it's in right now? Do we want the man who was very obviously opposed to the 2012 Super Bowl effort shaking hands and taking advantage of the photo-ops at Lucas Oil Stadium?
Tomorrow, I'll analyze the Democrat and Libertarian candidates who either have declared or are likely to declare, but in order to understand '11, you have to understand '07.
So how did Ballard get elected to begin with? He was, after all, facing a two time incumbent mayor with relatively high approval ratings until just months before the election. So how was this political "upset" realized?
Long story short, the Marion County Assessor didn't do his job for just under a decade. Bart Peterson helped to solve the issue by having all the properties in Indianapolis reassessed. The issue with that, however, is that most properties were worth more in the summer of '07 than they were at the turn of the millennium. So now property values are back to where they're supposed to be, but property taxes are also where they're supposed to be. This corrective action caused a massive panic and elevated Greg Ballard and the laziest campaign in Indy's history into the Mayor's office. Since then, Ballard has been taking advantage of everything that Peterson did in office from Lucas Oil Stadium to the convention center expansion.
So now I'd like to open this up. What are your thoughts on 2011 and the Ballard reelection campaign? See you tomorrow!
Despite this, however, the 2012 Super Bowl is likely to be a go. So the real question we have to address as a city is this: Who do we want to be running our city when the entire world is watching us?
We could reelect Greg Ballard, the man who stole an election... *ehem* Sorry, pulled "the greatest political upset in Indiana history" with a little help from the Marion County Assessor. So do we want the Capital Improvement Board in the disaster that it's in right now? Do we want the man who was very obviously opposed to the 2012 Super Bowl effort shaking hands and taking advantage of the photo-ops at Lucas Oil Stadium?
Tomorrow, I'll analyze the Democrat and Libertarian candidates who either have declared or are likely to declare, but in order to understand '11, you have to understand '07.
So how did Ballard get elected to begin with? He was, after all, facing a two time incumbent mayor with relatively high approval ratings until just months before the election. So how was this political "upset" realized?
Long story short, the Marion County Assessor didn't do his job for just under a decade. Bart Peterson helped to solve the issue by having all the properties in Indianapolis reassessed. The issue with that, however, is that most properties were worth more in the summer of '07 than they were at the turn of the millennium. So now property values are back to where they're supposed to be, but property taxes are also where they're supposed to be. This corrective action caused a massive panic and elevated Greg Ballard and the laziest campaign in Indy's history into the Mayor's office. Since then, Ballard has been taking advantage of everything that Peterson did in office from Lucas Oil Stadium to the convention center expansion.
So now I'd like to open this up. What are your thoughts on 2011 and the Ballard reelection campaign? See you tomorrow!
Sunday, January 3, 2010
Spud v. Sputnik
So today I went to my niece's birthday party. She's two, and she'll never remember any of the events of the day, but she had a great time and got several more toys that she'll never know what to do with due to the abundant amounts of play things she already has. One of the toys she got, however, really struck me. She got a Mr. Potato Head, the most well-known toy in history. The more I observed her playing with this, however, the more I realized that Mr. Potato Head is, like it or not, quintessentially American.
Born in Rhode Island in the 1950's, Mr. Potato Head was the first toy to be advertised on TV, but didn't get its plastic potato body untill 1960. Since its creation, Mr. Potato Head became the first toy to really gain a personality and become an "advocate" of social issues. In 1987, Mr. Potato Head became the "spokespud" for a government run anti-smoking campaign. Later, in 1992, he actually received an award from President Bill Clinton on the White House lawn when he shed his "couch potato status."
So a toy becomes a spokesperson and gets to meet the President. Clinton likes inanimate objects better than us living, breathing American citizens who elected him (twice)? Is this the message I'm getting from all this?
Not at all, because Mr. Potato Head is the ideal representation of the American Dream.
What did you say, Tim?
Mr. Potato Head is the ideal representation of the American Dream.
Let's take a look at the toy for a second. Here's this shell of an object. Mr. Potato Head could be young, old, angry, sad, happy, male, or female depending on what you choose to put on him. He wears several different hats, both literally and figuratively. Depending on what you decide to do with him, you can shape not only his appearance, but also his personality and character. Why can you do this? Because his spare eyes, mouths, noses, hats, etc. are stored where else but his hindquarters.
Now let's take a look at ourselves as Americans for a second. In the economic sense, we are shells of objects. Without developing ourselves as individuals, we are nothing more than a body. We live in a society, however, where we are forced to shape ourselves to one extent or another. We are required to go to school as children, and from there, we choose what we want to wear. Just like Mr. Potato Head, we are a product of our choices. While this has become a universal trait in the 21st century, this concept was uniquely American for so long, and still does have a much deeper American connotation than any other nation. One of the reasons that it is still very American is because as every other nation has developed into a free market capitalistic society where all men are supposed to have an equal opportunity, America has just intensified the pressure to become a "have" as opposed to a "have not." Consequently, Americans have learned to master several skills in order to be able to wear even more "hats." For example, we have CPA's with their bar tending license, Physical Therapists who can act and play guitar, and teachers who write on the side. This is done for supplementary income, but also because there is a constant pressure in modern America to stand out, and how better can one stand out than by being a master of many domains?
As for Mr. Potato Head's storage bin, the double entendre is intentional. When we are short of cash and we magically have a skill set to fall back on for income, or when we don't have the grade we need in a class but we manage to use our communication skills in order to persuade our grade up a little, we pull it out of the same place Mr. Potato Head finds his extra facial features. As we become more educated and experienced, we gain more and more things to "pull out."
So what does Mr. Potato Head have to do with the American Dream? Everything. If you want to be successful in modern America, the easiest way is to emulate this little toy, because the more we can pull out of our ass, the more hats we can wear, and the more hats we can wear, the more successful we are destined to be in the 21st century.
Stay posted tomorrow, January 4th, when I'll post my blog regarding the importance of the 2011 mayoral election and some introductory analysis on the "biggest political upset in Indiana history."
Born in Rhode Island in the 1950's, Mr. Potato Head was the first toy to be advertised on TV, but didn't get its plastic potato body untill 1960. Since its creation, Mr. Potato Head became the first toy to really gain a personality and become an "advocate" of social issues. In 1987, Mr. Potato Head became the "spokespud" for a government run anti-smoking campaign. Later, in 1992, he actually received an award from President Bill Clinton on the White House lawn when he shed his "couch potato status."
So a toy becomes a spokesperson and gets to meet the President. Clinton likes inanimate objects better than us living, breathing American citizens who elected him (twice)? Is this the message I'm getting from all this?
Not at all, because Mr. Potato Head is the ideal representation of the American Dream.
What did you say, Tim?
Mr. Potato Head is the ideal representation of the American Dream.
Let's take a look at the toy for a second. Here's this shell of an object. Mr. Potato Head could be young, old, angry, sad, happy, male, or female depending on what you choose to put on him. He wears several different hats, both literally and figuratively. Depending on what you decide to do with him, you can shape not only his appearance, but also his personality and character. Why can you do this? Because his spare eyes, mouths, noses, hats, etc. are stored where else but his hindquarters.
Now let's take a look at ourselves as Americans for a second. In the economic sense, we are shells of objects. Without developing ourselves as individuals, we are nothing more than a body. We live in a society, however, where we are forced to shape ourselves to one extent or another. We are required to go to school as children, and from there, we choose what we want to wear. Just like Mr. Potato Head, we are a product of our choices. While this has become a universal trait in the 21st century, this concept was uniquely American for so long, and still does have a much deeper American connotation than any other nation. One of the reasons that it is still very American is because as every other nation has developed into a free market capitalistic society where all men are supposed to have an equal opportunity, America has just intensified the pressure to become a "have" as opposed to a "have not." Consequently, Americans have learned to master several skills in order to be able to wear even more "hats." For example, we have CPA's with their bar tending license, Physical Therapists who can act and play guitar, and teachers who write on the side. This is done for supplementary income, but also because there is a constant pressure in modern America to stand out, and how better can one stand out than by being a master of many domains?
As for Mr. Potato Head's storage bin, the double entendre is intentional. When we are short of cash and we magically have a skill set to fall back on for income, or when we don't have the grade we need in a class but we manage to use our communication skills in order to persuade our grade up a little, we pull it out of the same place Mr. Potato Head finds his extra facial features. As we become more educated and experienced, we gain more and more things to "pull out."
So what does Mr. Potato Head have to do with the American Dream? Everything. If you want to be successful in modern America, the easiest way is to emulate this little toy, because the more we can pull out of our ass, the more hats we can wear, and the more hats we can wear, the more successful we are destined to be in the 21st century.
Stay posted tomorrow, January 4th, when I'll post my blog regarding the importance of the 2011 mayoral election and some introductory analysis on the "biggest political upset in Indiana history."
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