Final March 6 pack

1-The Final Four is set.  In State battle with Louisville and Kentucky in one semifinal….some Midwest flavor in a Big Ten-Big 8…er..12 showdown with Kansas and Ohio State.  Who is playing Monday Night and who cuts down the nets?

Matt – I’m going to say that Pitino is going to get the best of Calipari and Louisville knocks off the ‘Cats.  Kansas wins on the other side and Monday Night Bill Self is cutting down the nets.  (**this is the scenario my boy picked on his logo bracket-so I’m hoping this happens)

Wendt – Ohio State vs Kentucky and I'm gonna pick an upset and say the Buckeyes are cutting down the nets.

Painter – Kentucky will beat Ohio State

Blake – Ohio State and Kentucky.  Kentucky is still by far the best team in the Nation, the only thing that stops them is themselves and if they were to have an off night.

BSox –Gut is telling me Kentucky vs ohio st for the title, but I have this weird feeling about Louisville, and maybe this is their year. I’ll go Kentucky though, I picked them to win, and not going to give up now

Majors – Kentucky beats the Cardinals; Rock Chalk Jayhawk beats the suckeyes, and The Kentucky Wildcats beat the Jayhawks

2-The Iowa basketball seasons are over.  In 3 words or less describe the instate seasons and future of the men’s basketball programs.

Matt –  IOWA:  Getting MAD again!        IOWA ST: Keep Transfers Coming     UNI: Damn you McDermott     DRAKE: Future looks better         

Wendt –  IOWA: Future is bright   IOWA ST: Future is unclear   UNI: Future is average   DRAKE: Future is below average     

Painter –  IOWA: Future is bright  IOWA ST: Need high schoolers  UNI: Roller coaster ride  DRAKE: Cotlar loves you  

Blake –  IOWA: Fun Again  IOWA ST: Awesome Run  UNI: Gotta start improving   DRAKE: Who?

BSox –  IOWA: improvement, toughness, crowds  IOWA ST: transfers, recruiting, magic UNI: disappointment, future, bright  DRAKE: ummmmm, wha, who

Majors –  IOWA: On the rise  IOWA ST: does anyone care? UNI: Still hanging around DRAKE: Ummm, about them...         

3-Des Moines had a successful showing at the women’s regional final that may have featured Pat Summit’s final game.  Will this get Des Moines a Men’s first round game?

Matt – I would think packing in 17,000 for the session for a WOMEN’S Regional and selling out the NCAA Wrestling Championships would be enough to get a Men’s First Round site here.  I flipped on the Fresno Regional final last night and ESPN wouldn’t show the crowd at all…like no one was there.  NCAA give us a MENS TOURNAMENT!  Des Moines will sell out!

Wendt – Not next year but I could see Des Moines getting one in the next 5 years

Painter – I'd like to think so but there needs to be some sort of hotel actually connected to Wells Fargo apparently. 

Blake – I believe so, good job Des Moines!

BSox – It’s a step in the right direction, I’d say next 10 years we have a good chance of seeing it. They need to get more stuff to do around the arena to really up the shot.

Majors – Living here in FL I am not in tune with the DSM sports scene. However, it seems they are picking it up rather well. It would be cool to see the state get a 1st round game!

4-Tim Tebow is now on the J-E-T-S JETS! JETS! JETS!  He apparently picked New York over Jacksonville.  Good move for Tebow and the Jets?

Matt – The Jets are going to sell jersey’s and cause controversy when Sanchez goes out and throws picks.  I thought Jacksonville would have been a better fit for Tebow.

Wendt – I'm still not sure why New York thought it was a good idea to even be in the conversation and why didn't Tebow want Jacksonville? Still alot of questions unanswered if you ask me

Painter – I don't think so.  The Jets don't need him and he's not real good with the media.  He would have been better off going to a team with a creative offense that could fit him into certain situations.

Blake – Who cares, fun for everyone else to sit back and watch the drama!

BSox – Not at all. Jets are a mess at the moment. The first time Sanchez has a bad game they’ll be calling for Tebow. It makes no sense bringing in a guy like Tebow to an environment where you have a QB that isn’t the overall leader of the locker room. It’s going to be a huge head ache for them this season. But maybe Sanchez works way harder because of Tebow …

Majors – I think it is an okay one for each side. I do think it shows a lot that the owner, coach, & GM are in Fl when the presser happened. I know the meetings are here, but they could have arranged it. I am a firm believer in the statement: "If you have 2 QB's, you have no QB's."

5-The Saints got punished heavily by the NFL.  Fair punishment or did Goodell go too far?

Matt – This was a statement punishment meant to have a ripple effect throughout the NFL down to College and then to High School.  Saints fans shouldn’t cry like they are, they just got caught.  Then the Cover Up is worse then the crime.

Wendt – Goodell seems to be softening a little bit on Sean Payton but the punishment was fair in my opinion

Painter – Goodell wanted to send a message which he did. Kind of hard to say he went too far or not. 

Blake – Not at all.  I think everyone had an idea that bounties for good clean hits were going on, but money for Cart-Offs is barbaric and wrong in a civilized society.  Goodell had to leave no doubt that such activity would never happen again.

BSox –Completely fair, maybe not enough. Paying someone for a good play, good hit, getting a fumble stuff like that isn’t a big deal to me. Going out and trying to ruin someone’s career/life is a whole other issue. I almost go with the punter who says kick them out of the league

Majors – The Aints... I would say they got busted. I think the penalty is very harsh, however, they had multiple chances to stop the program as well as be honest with Goodell. They did neither. He has shown he hates being lied to, and he punished them as he saw fit. Now with them talking to The Big Tuna, who knows what will happen. I think losing Payton hurts, I think losing Loomis really hurts, though. Losing a GM for 8 weeks, including the draft? Ouch. I know they will find ways to talk, but they better not get caught.

6-WRESTLEMANIA is this weekend.  The Rock vs John Cena!  Finally! What is your favorite Wrestlemania moment?

Matt – Favorite match is WM3 with Ricky Steamboat vs Macho Man…one of the best matches I’ve seen.  Also WM6 with Hogan vs the Warrior at Sky Dome.  I think Jericho-Punk steals the show this year.

Wendt – Hulk Hogan slamming Andre the Giant was awesome

Painter – Wrestlemania X8 in Toronto (2002).  Rock vs Hollywood Hulk Hogan.  The original WWF/WWE superstar passing the proverbial torch to the "People's Champion".  Plus Jericho and Triple H had a good match for the Undisputed Heavyweight Championship.

Blake – Um, huh?

BSox –Shawn michaels vs the undertaker…or pretty much any shawn michaels match. Those were the best matches. He sells so well, and tells such a great story throughout the match. I still consider him the greatest wrestler ever, and haven’t watched a ton since he left

Majors – Wow, haven't watched wrestling in years. Fav moment? Probably the original one. I remember being at my buddy's house watching it. Good times!

A Mad 6 Pack!

1-Everyone fills out a bracket, who’s your pick in the Final Four, and your Champion?

Matt – I think this bracket will be a lot of chalk, the top 16 teams will advance.  So with that there will probably be a lot of upsets.  My final four Kentucky, Ohio State, Michigan State, Kansas.  Championship for Sparty.

Painter – Why would I disclose that this early in the week?  I'm not giving other people a chance to see my picks until our ESPN bracket opens to everyone (let's just say a Big 10 team is favored).

Wendt – Missouri, Duke, Syracuse, Kansas. Syracuse wins it all

Blake – I've changed it a dozen times, especially with Fab Melo now being out.  Give me Kentucky, Michigan State, Florida State, and in the Midwest, I have no idea.  I have Creighton in one of my brackets

Majors – Well since I have a 1/68 shot, I guess it is an easy guess, right? I am thinking Kentucky will take it. They are solid, but I worry a little about them breaking down mentally. I would love to see Mizzou win it all. They will have a tough time beating Mich St since it is March, and, well, Izzo doesn't lose in March. I have FL St & UNC as my other two. FL St is on a roll, and are not afraid of anyone. I think Syracuse loses to Vandy too.

2-Iowa State gets the #8 seed and will play defending champion UConn.  If they get past the Huskies, #1 Kentucky is waiting.  To be the Man, wooo, you got to beat the man.  Crystal Ball the Clones?

Matt – The Huskies aren’t the Huskies from last year and I think they get ISU.  It’s going to be close I think.  If ISU can get past UConn I think for 20 mins then they can put a scare into the Wildcats, but that’s about it.  Good year for the Clones, keep Royce nose clean and they are sitting ok for next year.

Painter – 1st round exit.  Sorry, can't see them beating UConn. 

Wendt – UConn 78 Iowa State 67

Blake – I said all along they could be a Sweet 16 if they get hot.  I did not see them getting such a tough path though.  Doubt they get to the round of 16 anymore

Majors – They will lose to UConn. I think they could win, no doubt, they are a good team. But again, it's March, & UConn doesn't lose easily in March

3-Matt Gatens senior season lives on!  Iowa will host Dayton in the NIT.  How good is this for the program?

Matt – Really good for the program.  Any Iowa fan who says it’s not, is smoking.  Yes its not the big dance but its post season and more practice and Fran could build off this!

Painter – This is excellent for the program.  It gets some of the more casual fans interested again, it gives the players more practice time, and it's not as high-pressure as the NCAA tournament.  Iowa should beat Dayton in Carver-Hawkeye but who knows what happens next

Wendt – More practice time and a postseason tournament experience? Not a bad thing for this young team one bit

Blake – Uh, awesome.  Awesome for the fans who got a road home game.  Awesome for the team to get more practices and post season experience.  Awesome for Gatens, and awesome for White, and Basabe who had stellar round 1 games

Majors – I was really worried, but it seems they are playing pretty well. I think they will be ok

4-The Selection Committee gives a potential second round matchup of Doug McDermott vs Harrison Barnes.  Do you see Creighton giving the Heels any problems?

Matt – I’m really hoping the Bluejays win so we get this matchup.  I think McDermott would out play Barnes, but he’d have to for the Jays to have a chance.  Barnes is on a team of NBA players.  UNC will win though. 

Painter – Nope, Creighton has been very inconsistent in that last part of the season.  Creighton may be lucky to even get to the 2nd round.

Wendt – Nope. I actually laugh at the Missouri Valley Conference whiners who think Creighton got hosed

Blake – Absolutely.  I'm not sold on North Carolina

Majors – I don't think Creighton will have a huge chance against UNC. It is one game, though, so any team can win. I love March Madness!!! 

5-Peyton Manning is no longer a Colt, who benefited more from the 14 year campaign, Peyton, the Colts or the City of Indianapolis?  Where will Peyton land too?

Matt – How could they not all be winners?  Peyton has one of the greatest QB careers so far.  The Colts got a brand new Stadium.  They both got a Super Bowl Title.  Indianapolis got a new stadium that hosts more than just Colts games, they get the Super Bowls, Big Ten Championship games and Final Fours.  Everybody won.  I think Manning will be a Cardinal.  Maybe getting Wayne and Clark to follow him to join Fitzgerald.

Painter – The city of Indianapolis came out best in that relationship.  It hosted a Super Bowl because of the new stadium which was helped by the Colts' success.  That alone was huge.  I also think the new stadium played a part in hosting the Big Ten football championship this year.  Indy will forever be known for the Brickyard but the 2000's Colts will be right there with it.

Wendt – Manning built the stadium and helped win a Super Bowl. Manning will be a Denver Bronco this season

Blake – Peyton would have been Peyton in a lot of places.  Indy won for having him there.  They have a multi purpose facility/dome, and a Super Bowl

Majors – I think everyone was a winner w/ Peyton in Indy. It seems like the donkeys, (Raider Nation & I hate the donkeys), are the favorites right now. Kinda surprised he would go there, cold weather, outdoors, etc. They do have some solid young WRs, and John Fox has no clue about the offense, so he will just hand over the keys to Peyton. As a Raiders fan, I do think it would be fun to play him twice a year. I know, sounds crazy, but I like the idea of it. Besides, he only has 2-3 years left. And the donkey faithful wanted Tebow, well, they got him. Now they want Peyton. What about your beloved Tebow? Hmmm?

6-St Paddy’s day is Saturday, do you go green for the day, including blood-alcohol content level?

Matt – I will not be digesting green beer.  I tend to stay in on St Paddys day.  To many unskilled drinkers seem to come out of the cracks. 

Painter – I don't go out of my way to do anything special.  I may have a beer or 2 but not much more than that.  I just don't get wrapped up into it

Wendt – I've never done a massive drinkfest for St Paddy's Day......doubt it changes this year (although I am attending my first ever Iowa Barnstormers game)

Blake – I have drill.  2 more left after this month

Majors – I'm Irish heritage, of course I go green!!! 

Welcome to March Madness foreplay…Conference Tourney week.

1-Iowa will take on Illinois in the 8-9 game in the Big Ten Conference Tourney on Thursday.  Predictions on the Hawks and who cuts down the nets in Indianapolis?  **note answers submitted prior to start of conf tourney**

Matt – I don’t like this matchup for Iowa but atleast its not in Champaign.  The Hawks need Gatens to hit a few early and have Basabe and White to not let their big guy beat us like he did a few weeks ago.  I think in the end it comes down to Michigan State & Ohio State and this time Michigan State wins, goes in to the NCAA as a #1 somewhere.

Wendt – Illiannoy-76 Iowa-67. I'll take Michigan State to win the title this year

Painter – Iowa may win a game but I doubt they make it to the weekend.  I have a feeling Ohio State or Michigan State will win it all.

Blake – I'll take Michigan State winning the Conference Tourney, and Iowa getting out of the first round.

Majors – Hmmm, let's go Hawks!!! I think they can win this one, but they will have to play fast and play smart. As for the team to win the tourney, I hate to say it, but tOSU looks pretty good lately. They have been pretty consistent this year.

Silker – Hawks beat then Illioni however lose the next game. They suffer a first round lose in the NIT and look to next year. Michigan State cuts down the net after suffering their last lose this past weekend. They go on a terror and win the tourney.

2-Iowa State is the #3 seed in the Big XII tournament and will take on #6 Texas on Thursday.  Will the Cyclones make a run in Kansas City or is it the Jayhawks and everyone else?  **note answers submitted prior to start of conf tourney**

Matt – I think you’ll see Iowa State in the final four and I won’t be surprised if they make the title game.  But thinking its KU vs Mizzou one last time for the Title. 

Wendt – I'll take Kansas vs Missouri for the Big 12 Title

Painter – ISU may make it to the weekend but I have a feeling Missouri is the team to beat.

Blake – Iowa State can definitely go on a run.  That is, if they don't get blinded by the Baylor uniforms.

Majors – Rock Chalk Jayhawk. I think Mizzou & KU will be int he finals, but I think M-I-Z-Z-O-U wins it

Silker – State will make a run but no one in the big XII can stop the Jayhawks.

3-Breaking this weekend is that Saints DC Greg Williams had a bounty pool for the Saints defenders in big hits and game ending hits on opponents.  The NFL will be dropping some punishment here this week, if your Roger Goodell what is your judgment?

Matt – With player safety being the biggest concern, someone is getting punished big time.  Williams will get hit and I’m sure the Saints too.  But this has been around a while, it will need to be each organization taking the correct actions on this too.  Bad hit for the NFL.

Wendt – If I'm Roger Goodell I'm pissed that somebody actually talked, you know these type of pools/bounties have been around for a long time

Painter – I don't know if I would do anything too harsh, maybe fine the coaches involved as well as the team itself.

Blake – Suspended for at least a year.  He has to set a standard that this will not be tolerated...even if I firmly believe it goes on in every clubhouse.

Majors – Move the 'Aints to Cuba. Actually, this has been a hotbed conversation, especially here locally since I am so close to the Cajun land itself. Most "Who Dat' fans think it is a conspiracy against them, but it isn't. They are going to lose...bad. Payton may be suspended 8 games, MULTIPLE draft picks being lost, etc. This will be hard to recover from

Silker – It will be a slap on the wrist with some fines and suspensions. However if I were him, Williams is suspended for the same amount of years he had a pool going. The way is sounds it could be between 7-10 years. Sean Peyton is suspended for one year. New Orleans doesn't forfeit the super bowl they won but it gets the MLB * next to it signifying rules were broken that year. Williams is fined half his salary while at New Orleans and the saints are fined the amount they made for winning the super bowl.

4-Greg McDermott is back in the NCAA after Creighton’s MVC Championship.  Who’s in a better spot now 2 years after McDermott leaving Iowa State for Omaha, the Bluejays or Cyclones?

Matt – I think right not it’s a win win for everyone.  Hoiberg has the Clone (if White stays) in a really good spot with his Transfer U but in time he will need to get a base going and if they can grow a base I think they can compete with KU for a while.  McDermott gets to coach his kid and be in one of the best non BCS conf there is and have a great fan base supporting him.  Sorry Blake to rub salt in a wound, young McDermott would have looked great in purple and gold.

Wendt – Great question. Iowa State seems poised to compete in the Big 12 and let's be honest, the Missouri Valley Conference isn't good top to bottom so I'll take Iowa State being in a better spot

Painter – Short term:  ISU.  Long term (right now):  Creighton

Blake – Bluejays because of the conference.  Creighton is basically that Kansas of the Missouri Valley, the rightful owner of the throne.  The Cyclones will never be that.

Majors – This one is a little out of my wheelhouse. I think ISU has done a good job of rising up. Hoiberg has become impressive as the coach. Creighton has generally had a decent team, but I think the CyClowns are doing pretty well right now.

Silker – Cyclones. McDermott cannot recruit with the big boys. His best player is his son who should be a panther right now. Iowa state is looking better by the day

5-What record in all of sports has NO CHANCE of ever being broken?

Matt – Cy Young’s 500+ wins and Johnny Vandermeir’s back to back no hitters are tough ones to beat.  I don’t think you’ll see a running back top Emmitt or Walter either.  Fricken Emmitt!

Wendt – Cal Ripken Jr's consecutive games played will never be broken

Painter – All records have a chance to be broken (records were meant to be broken) but Cal Ripken Jr's consecutive games streak and Joe DiMaggio's 56 game hit streak are the most likely to never be broken.

Blake – I don't think anyone will ever surpass Wilt's 100 or Cal's Consecutive Game Streak.  I think DiMaggio's Hit Streak could be broken someday.  Maybe

Majors – 56 game hitting streak.

Silker – Wilt! No one will ever score 100 in a game again. No chance ever!

6-Tiger Woods shot a 62 Sunday at the Honda Classic, Rory McIlroy won it to take over the #1 World Golf Rankings.  Many will utter TIGER IS BACK…does Tiger’s round of 62 change your mind on his play?

Matt – I don’t think he’s back but its baby steps.  It’s all in his head.  I will predict that he finishes in the top 5 at Augusta. 

Wendt – One round doesn't make up for last Thursday when he was missing putts all over the place. Let's see how he does for a few tournaments in a row before I start waving my Tiger flag. 

Painter – Not yet.  He needs to shoot in the 60's consistently before I consider him to be back.

Blake – Sure, he's been on an uptick since the end of last year.  It would have been foolish to say Tiger will never win again, but his days of dominance are over

Majors – I think he will begin to play consistent. With all of the distractions, there was no doubt he couldn't focus anymore. As for being the undisputed man? Those days are gone. Too many young players that are really good. Even those guys can't emerge over each other. I think Tiger will win some more, probably multiple majors, but not be dominant, no.

Silker – Tiger still needs to win a major to say he is back. Until he does that he is just a cub. Rory is also a great golfer who is getting better. Players are scared of his name like they were with old Tiger!

Think you can beat the Sports Freaks ---- SHOW ME YOUR BRACKETS!

Sign up for the NCAA Bracket Challenge!

Group Name – Sports Freaks | Password – beer

Friday 6 Pack

1-Iowa State got a HUGE road win at Kansas State and all but clinched a spot in the NCAA tournament.  Is this something you expected from this year’s Cyclones?  Also your on the selection committee, regardless of seeding, who would you want to see Iowa State matched up with?

Matt – I think this is what Iowa State was expected to do with all the transfers.  Build a base quick with transfers and get some notoriety and get recruits in.  The Big XII with Baylor, Missouri and Kansas isn’t a cake walk, maybe they get to the final four of the Big XII tourney.  But they are dancing.  I’d like to see Iowa State vs. Southern Miss (Larry Eustachy) or New Mexico (Steve Alford) or Creighton (the McDermotts)

Wendt – Iowa State vs Creighton would be gold, and if the Bluejays somehow beat the Clones the meltdown would be epic

Blake – Marquee names are always fun, but honestly, I'm just glad that someone from Iowa will make the tournament.  Of course the match ups always matter, but the team has enough talent to put together a nice run to the Sweet 16 if the cards fall right.

BSox – I think its a little hard to say who I want to see them matched up with because its hard to guess at the seeding of the team, to see the match ups we want, I'm guessing we'd have to wait until the second or third round to see the match ups that we'd want to say. Its easy to say teams like mich st (who they have a history with), duke, NC, but one that we might see early is Creighton. with that many teams who knows

Majors – Iowa State plays basketball? Ok, seriously though, I guess I am a little happy for them? I think it would be a good move for them to be matched up with a bigger name, just to have a spotlight on a matchup. So someone in the 2nd round with a name, whether it be Florida, Georgetown, something along those lines. 

 

2- Iowa’s nightmares in Champaign continued as the Illini broke a 6 game skid and beat the Hawks.  Gaten’s couldn’t win this one for Iowa and unless the Hawks win the Big Ten Tourney the NCAA is all but a dream.  Iowa then plays Nebraska and Northwestern before heading to Indy.  Will the Hawks get some revenge on 2 teams that beat them earlier?

Matt – Champaign and East Lansing seem to be house of horrors, also Penn State for Iowa basketball.  The Hawks NEED to beat Northwestern and Nebraska.  Losses to those 2 teams are unacceptable.  To progress where Fran wants them you can’t lose those!  Win one in Indy and play on Friday its all good.  Get to the NIT and make a run there and I’m a happy fan.

Wendt – Iowa seems to have a knack for losing games they shouldn't lose but I'll go ahead and predict they win both those games and lose in round 1 in Indy

Blake – Man, I hope so, but it seems like the Hawkeyes have been a tail of two teams this year.  Great when you don't expect it, and horrible against teams they should beat

BSox – I think it depends which Iowa team decides to show up. I think we are getting glimpses at what this team is going to be like, but you have so many young kids, its gonna take a bit. Highly possible I'd say though

Majors – It would be nice to see the Hawks get on a streak heading into the tourney. I never know what team will show up for their games. Living here in FL, I get zero coverage, so I have to rely on other means to see how they are doing. Their scoring drives me bonkers, 80+ points one night, 60 or so the next. They yo-yo way too much. I hope to see them continue to improve, though. I have talked to Reggie Evans about it multiple times, it is frustrating for the former players as well to see what they are doing now. Stability...we need it

 

3-RG3 ran a 4.38 forty at the NFL Combine, his QB cohort Andrew Luck ran a 4.53, does this move RG3 up any over Andrew Luck? 

Matt – I love RG3, he’s a stud and one of the most exciting college players we’ve had in a while.  But I’m still taking Andrew Luck over him.

Wendt – It seems like the Colts are in love and close to marrying Luck, so no, RG3 won't be the #1 pick

Blake – No.  It does solidify RG3 as the number two pick though

BSox – No, I'm not sure the whole world is sold on a dude like RG3. I'm not saying he's a bad football player, but its too far and in between a guy like him pays off in the NFL. besides, didn't we all know he was faster than andrew luck?

Majors – No, but he will more than likely be drafted at #2. It sounds like the Browns are ready to grab him, (bye bye Colt McCoy). I do think RG3 will be a solid player. He has the smarts, his parents have kept him grounded & mature, and he seems to be a like able kid. I am one of the few ones not 100% sold on Luck. He has never wowed me in a game. Yeas, he is athletic, smart, and driven to win. I have just never seen that moment where I am wowed. We shall see, though

 

4-Has the NBA Slam Dunk contest ended its run of being legitimate during the NBA All-Star Weekend?

Matt – The NBA Slam Dunk contest should have done a walk off with Jordan vs. Dominique in 1987.  That’s it that’s the list.

Wendt – The NBA Slam Dunk contest isn't cool when none of the stars want to be involved. Offer the winner $1 million dollars and watch the stars flock

Blake – The NBA has to find a way to give incentives to the winners.  A dunk contest with Howard, LeBron, Rose, Griffin, and Durant could still be epic, but I'd rather it not be held that watch a bunch of D Leaguers participate like this year

BSox – didn't see it, and the fact i didn't see any press on it means yes.

Majors – Yeah, it has definitely been done before. Now they seem to take multiple dunk attempts, which makes it even more boring. Once in awhile there will be a cool shot or something, but overall, it's done. I like the PG skills competition. The obstacle course they run is kinda cool. The 3-point contest is still cool to me as well

 

5-It’s getting down to the nitty gritty with Dwight Howard and the Orlando Magic.  You’re the GM, are you trading him to get something or will it be Shaq 2.0 and you lose out on getting anything for him in return.  Most likely destination for him?

Matt – It seems that he’s gone from the Magic.  They need to trade him and get something.  All fingers have pointed to New York, LA or Chicago in the past.  I’d be rooting for Chicago, I think that would be great, but DP mentioned this morning that maybe Dallas?  Sad though no mention of smaller market teams. 

Wendt – Better trade him now and New Jersey seems the likely landing spot (although as a Lakers fan I'd give up Bynum for Howard in a heartbeat)

Blake – Money-wise, I don't know why he wouldn't stay.  He can get a bigger contract staying with Orlando, plus no income tax in Florida.  Orlando should be a good place to come play for other players, so he needs to do a bit of recruiting.  That being said, New Jersey is still the team most likely to land him.  Billionaire former KGB owner, moving to Brooklyn, and D-Will.

BSox – I think its hard for teams to want to part with talent, he's done there, but GM might want to keep the talent, i think it's time just to cut ties, but I wouldn't do it for nothing, and if he's still producing for me, than I'm going to wait til i get the deal i want rather than just get rid of him JUST to get rid of him. he's still producing so

Majors – C'mon Lakers!!! As a Lakers fan, I would like to see him there. I don't want to see him with the NJ/Brooklyn/Whoevertheyarenow Nets/Knights/Whatevers. I do think the Magic should just trade him. Get the soap opera over already. The NBA is definitely a players league. Whatever the players want, they get. i think that is wrong, but no one seems intent on stopping it

 

6-The Artist won best picture at the Oscars.  Have you seen it and if not, what are the chance you will see it?

Matt – There’s a better chance of me wearing a dress to Carl’s Place than me watching the Artist.  The Oscars and the Academy is about as bad as the BCS.

Wendt – I have no idea what that is so probably not

Blake – Hell no.

BSox – not a lot. i like good movies, and have seen a lot of the classics but i think this one will be one i'll watch if its on, but i'm not gonna go out of my way for it.

Majors – Ummm, I was sick that day in school? Actually, wouldn't be opposed to seeing it. I heard it was a silent film? That would be kinda neat to watch. Maybe I can stream it somewhere, haha. I'm Kidding!!!