Thursday, April 30, 2009

Bulls vs. Celtics Game 6 Analysis

Bulls win 3OT Thriller

After all the drama that had taken place in games 4 and 5, it was to be expected that game 6 would not be as thrilling. But Thursday nights game between the Boston Celtics and the Chicago Bulls proved to be an instant classic that once again left basketball fans breathless. The Bulls blew an 18 point lead in the fourth quarter but were able to outlast the Celtics in triple overtime thanks to a block by Derrick Rose, and win by a score of 128-127. Ray Allen had the overall game high in points with 51. Game 7 will be Saturday Night in Boston. Any possible way Game 7 can be a better game then Game 6? 

Who is Kevin Parrom?

About a month ago, the 2009 Arizona Basketball recruiting class was non-existent. But now as the calender turns into the month of May, first year head coach Sean Miller has pulled in two four star recruits which includes 6'6 small forward Solomon Hill and 6'10 center Kyryl Natyazko. On Saturday, May 2nd, 3 star small forward Kevin Parrom plans to visit the University of Arizona. Parrom is very quick for his 6'6 size and has the ability to get to the basket with ease. But people can't label Parrom just as a slasher because he has the ability to step back and hit the three. Last week, Parrom visited Pittsburgh and said that at this point "he is only considering the Panthers and the Wildcats". Arizona fans should feel confident in that Parrom had already commited to Sean Miller and his staff at Xavier before Miller left for the Southwest. Adding Parrom to a class with Natyazko and Hill would give the Wildcats a top 25 recruiting class. These three players all have the ability to create their own shots which will go a long way in creating a successful season. 


Chicago Bulls vs. Boston Celtics (7ET)

NBA PLAYOFFS FIRST ROUND
GAME SIX
BOSTON LEADS SERIES (3-2)

In a classic series between two evenly matched teams, blood has begun to boil. At the end of game 5 when Brad Miller was driving to the basket in order to tie up the game, Rajon Rondo committed what most would call a dirty foul. He swung his hand right into the face of Brad Miller and caused Miller to miss the shot and eventually miss the two free throws. Whether or not this foul by Rondo was intentional has yet to be seen but one thing is for sure, Brad Miller and the Bulls are sure not to forget that cheap shot. Game Six looks to be another closely contested battle.

Prediction: Bulls take it to the Celtics, force Game 7
 
You be the judge on the Rondo foul

Chicago Blackhawks vs. Vancouver Canucks (9ET)

NHL WESTERN CONFERENCE SEMIFINALS 
GAME ONE

The young Chicago Blackhawks look to continue their somewhat improbable run against an experianced Vancouver Canucks team. In the first round, the Blackhawks took care of the Calgary Flames in a physical six game series. On the other hand, the Canucks took care of the St. Louis Blues in four games and have not played for more then a week and a half.  This long and extended time off could either be a blessing in disguise or could leave the Canucks feeling rusty. Look for rookies Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane to have strong games. Canucks goalie, Roberto Luongo, will be a formidable foe between the goal posts. Can the Cinderella run continue for the young and inexperienced Chicago Blackhawks?

TV: VS
Season Series: Each team won two head to head games during the season
Prediction: Blackhawks 1 
                     Canucks 3 

Another Physical Series

Chicago Cubs vs. Florida Marlins (8:05 ET)

Pitching Matchup:
Sean Marshall (0-1) vs. Chris Volstad (2-0)

Marlins Overview:
After starting the season (11-1), the Florida Marlins have fallen back to earth with a record of (13-8). Hanley Ramirez, who is battling right hand discomfort, has an "80 percent chance" of playing in today's game according to manager Fredi Gonzalez. 

Cubs Overview: 
The Cubs are filled with injuries and today will be a telling day for third baseman Aramis Ramirez who is battling a sore right hamstring. Ramirez will attempt to run in the infield early Thursday morning and if he is still unable to run without pain, the Cubs will place Ramirez on the DL and call up long time minor leaguer Bobby Scales.

My Take:
These teams have had somewhat of opposite starts. The Marlins started off hot with great pitching from their starters and their bullpen. The Cubs starters have not been as potent as the Marlins' and the bullpen is a tremendous issue for the Northsiders. Chicago needs to start playing with more fire and urgency. They have started off slow and they will look to extinguish the hot Marlins at Wrigley Field on Thursday night. Cubs need to "turn their swag on"

Prediction:
Marlins 2
Cubs 4 

Cubs Turning Their Swagga On

One Player Leaves, Two More Enter?

The Arizona Wildcats have seen there share of transfers in the past decade. With the likes of Rueben Douglas (New Mexico), Laval Lucas-Perry (Michigan), Jeff Withey (Kansas) and now Zane Johnson leaving for other schools, other players within the Arizona program have been giving the opportunity to shine. Last year, Kyle Fogg was given this chance and he became one of the more popular guys on the team.

With this recent departure of Zane Johnson, this has opened up another scholarship for the 2009-2010 season and has also opened up more game time minutes for possible recruits looking to come into Arizona next year. Kevin Parrom, who is set to visit the UofA this weekend, should be intrigued with the idea of playing a good number of minutes next season. Parrom visited Pittsburgh last week and the fact that Arizona has the last say will also help. Another possible recruit, all be it a long shot, is Lance Stephenson. This 5 star forward has it all going for him and he would give this Arizona team a huge boost to not only making the NCAA tournament next year, but also make a deep run. Stephenson was not happy with his original schools that he was looking at attending and decided to open his recruiting. Assistant coach Book Richardson and Stephenson developed a relationship through the AAU circuit in New York City. He has not set a visiting date but look for one to surface if Stephenson has not committed in the next few weeks. 

Lance Stephenson Mix Tape