Its the last home game for my fellow seniors at Oakland University. The 3 seniors are Erik Kangas, Dan Waterstradt, and former walk-on Ricky Bieszki. Ricky will be making his first, and last career start tonight. Ricky has not played much in his Oakland Career but I've heard from multiple sources that he is a great teammate and a great practice player. This is rare in today's society. I'm sure he is more important to the team than we think. I really hope these seniors are going to graduate and do great things in their life. I fully expect Kangas to end up playing overseas for a few years. Who knows maybe the NBA one day?
Oakland is not going to Win the regular season crown, in fact they locked up the number 3 seed going into the conference tournament. However, they still have a lot to play for in this last regular season game. Currently Oakland has 19 wins, tied for most in D1 history, if they win today they will get win number 20, first time ever in D1 history. And maybe just maybe a lock to get into a postseason tournament if we fail to make the NCAA. Oakland has yet to lose at home this season. If they win tonight, it will be the first time Oakland has ever in its history finish undefeated at home. So yeah, Oakland has something to play for tonight. Not to mention they have won 6 straight games, and is undefeated in the month of February. We are the hottest team in the Summit League, and peaking at the right time. We are a very dangerous team, and I expect us to make it to the NCAA tournament again. So everyone come out and support our Golden Grizzlies! Today 6 PM at the O'rena!
QUICK THOUGHTS
The Pistons finally won a game! I am still in shock that they managed to beat Orlando. However, I still think it wont be enough, and Pistons will be on the outside looking in, once the playoffs start. Oh, if I were Joe D, I'd cut Rasheed Wallace. He is nothing but a cancer and has no value to the team now.
Dontrelle Willis made is spring debut yesterday against the Blue Jays. The results? Not pretty, the same old Willis as last year. However is defense did make an error behind him so only 2 out of the 4 runs were earned. I wont take to much stock into this game, but I expected better things out of Willis this year, hopefully he can become the pitcher he once was.
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Oakland playing good basketball at the right time...
So far in the month of February, Oakland Men's basketball team is undefeated. This past week they had two road games. Lately the guys have been struggling on the road, losing 4 straight on the road. However, Thursday my boys dominated Western Illinois University, then yesterday they had to travel to a small but hostel environment at IUPUI. Again, the guys pulled off the victory, after almost blowing the lead late in the game.
Oakland has been on a roll thanks to our bench. Earlier in the year, our bench was a non factor, especially on the road. However things are starting to change. Freshman Blake Cushingberry came off the bench to score a career high 24 points and hitting 4 threes. Blake has become a more consistent score for Oakland in the month of February. The best part about him, is that he plays solid defense, and he is only a freshman.
Drew Maynard is another freshman that is starting to pick up is pace again. Earlier in the year Maynard was playing very solid, averaging around 8 points a game. However in the month of January, it seemed like Maynard hit a brick wall and you could tell he lost his confidence. He started to pass up open shots, and when he would shoot, it seemed like it didn't really want too. However that changed against IPFW last week. He knocked down 3 threes, and played a very productive game. After that game Drew seems to have is swagger back, and its back to the Drew of old. Drew has not been lighting the world on fire, but he is being productive. If he can average around 7-11 points per game in the tournament, we will be tough to beat.
Over the past couple of years I have been very critical of Dan "the man" Waterstradt. Dan did get hurt against ORU the first go around. The injury seemed to be effecting him the next few games, he was very unproductive, and he couldn't do anything right. Now Dan seems like he is 100% and is playing much better basketball. I have to give Dan is credit. He is playing like he wants an NCAA Bid. He is playing much better defense, and is getting boards when earlier in the year he wouldn't be. He is also starting to produce on the offensive end. Thursday against WIU he scored 10 points. Dan is not much of a scorer, but if he cant get us around 5-6 points a game during the tournament, and play good defense, it will be a bonus.
I believe these 3 guys hold the keys for us in the NCAA tournament. If they can be productive in the conference tournament, and supplement Kangas, Jones, and Benson we wont be stopped. Likewise if these guys fail to show up, we wont make it far in the tournament. Oakland's faith lies with these guys.
Oakland has been on a roll thanks to our bench. Earlier in the year, our bench was a non factor, especially on the road. However things are starting to change. Freshman Blake Cushingberry came off the bench to score a career high 24 points and hitting 4 threes. Blake has become a more consistent score for Oakland in the month of February. The best part about him, is that he plays solid defense, and he is only a freshman.
Drew Maynard is another freshman that is starting to pick up is pace again. Earlier in the year Maynard was playing very solid, averaging around 8 points a game. However in the month of January, it seemed like Maynard hit a brick wall and you could tell he lost his confidence. He started to pass up open shots, and when he would shoot, it seemed like it didn't really want too. However that changed against IPFW last week. He knocked down 3 threes, and played a very productive game. After that game Drew seems to have is swagger back, and its back to the Drew of old. Drew has not been lighting the world on fire, but he is being productive. If he can average around 7-11 points per game in the tournament, we will be tough to beat.
Over the past couple of years I have been very critical of Dan "the man" Waterstradt. Dan did get hurt against ORU the first go around. The injury seemed to be effecting him the next few games, he was very unproductive, and he couldn't do anything right. Now Dan seems like he is 100% and is playing much better basketball. I have to give Dan is credit. He is playing like he wants an NCAA Bid. He is playing much better defense, and is getting boards when earlier in the year he wouldn't be. He is also starting to produce on the offensive end. Thursday against WIU he scored 10 points. Dan is not much of a scorer, but if he cant get us around 5-6 points a game during the tournament, and play good defense, it will be a bonus.
I believe these 3 guys hold the keys for us in the NCAA tournament. If they can be productive in the conference tournament, and supplement Kangas, Jones, and Benson we wont be stopped. Likewise if these guys fail to show up, we wont make it far in the tournament. Oakland's faith lies with these guys.
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Its spring training!!!
Holy cow, spring training has already arrived! Its an exciting time of the year, and the Tigers enter camp with a ton of question marks. I fully expect Verlander to return to form. I think Bonderman will have a break out year. Before you start laughing at me, remember he had a blood clot in his pitching arm. Now that its gone, his arm is going to feel like a million bucks! Break out year!!! I expect 14-17 wins from Edwin Jackson. Miggy is well Miggy. Ordonez is steady as a rock. Curtis Granderson is our spark plus and is only going to get better.
What really worries me is the bullpen. However, I think Dave did a good job in adding pieces to the pen. He didn't go after any big names, but he brought it solid major league pitchers. My surprise pick is going to be Ryan Perry. The Tigers first round draft pick of last year. This guy has a cannon, throws 100 MPH, and is just a stud. I expect him to make the club, and be an impact like Joel Zumaya was in 2006. As for Zumaya, if he can return to form like he did in 2006, and the beginning of 2007, look out!! Seriously if Zumaya, and Perry can produce right away the tigers will be a contender this coming up season. Now, if our new pitching coach can fix Rodney's mental problems, then well, we will win the division.
Speaking of which, the new Tigers pitching coach is Rick Knapp. Never heard of him before? Your not alone. He never has been a pitching coach for a major league team before. However, he was the head pitching coordinator the the Twins Minor league system. Rick knows the ins and outs of pitching like the best of them. He helped bring up all those stud pitchers from Minnesota. Knapp has already found delivery flaws in Verlander, Robertson, and Willis! Rick is going to be a great pitching coach for us, and he is a 100 times better than his predecessor.
Quick Thoughts.
Pistons suck. They have no chemistry, and Joe Dumars is going to do nothing before the trade deadline tomorrow. Big shocker, attendance is crashing worse than the price of gas, and Joe is sitting around doing nothing. If you ask me Joe D is overrated as a GM. I said it before and I'll say it again, don't be shocked if they miss the playoffs.
A source telling Dave Birkett said the Lions have talked to Jeff Backus, about the prospect of moving to guard. He said he was open to the idea. About time I thought. I have been telling myself this a couple years now. At best he is an average left tackle. Being an average tackle in the NFL wont cut it, especially if your covering your quarterback's blind side! Hopefully this means they will go over a tackle in the draft. (Andre Smith!)
Tomorrow night, Oakland University is traveling to Western Illinois for a conference clash. Last time these two teams met, Oakland spanked them by 40! Oakland will look for win number 17, and if they win out they will have 20 wins, the first time in Division 1 history. Oakland Men's and Women's swimming and Diving teams are hosting the conference tournament this Thursday through Saturday. They are a power house, and both teams have beaten Michigan State this year. I believe tickets are free, and if you want to see some great swimming, I recommend going!
What really worries me is the bullpen. However, I think Dave did a good job in adding pieces to the pen. He didn't go after any big names, but he brought it solid major league pitchers. My surprise pick is going to be Ryan Perry. The Tigers first round draft pick of last year. This guy has a cannon, throws 100 MPH, and is just a stud. I expect him to make the club, and be an impact like Joel Zumaya was in 2006. As for Zumaya, if he can return to form like he did in 2006, and the beginning of 2007, look out!! Seriously if Zumaya, and Perry can produce right away the tigers will be a contender this coming up season. Now, if our new pitching coach can fix Rodney's mental problems, then well, we will win the division.
Speaking of which, the new Tigers pitching coach is Rick Knapp. Never heard of him before? Your not alone. He never has been a pitching coach for a major league team before. However, he was the head pitching coordinator the the Twins Minor league system. Rick knows the ins and outs of pitching like the best of them. He helped bring up all those stud pitchers from Minnesota. Knapp has already found delivery flaws in Verlander, Robertson, and Willis! Rick is going to be a great pitching coach for us, and he is a 100 times better than his predecessor.
Quick Thoughts.
Pistons suck. They have no chemistry, and Joe Dumars is going to do nothing before the trade deadline tomorrow. Big shocker, attendance is crashing worse than the price of gas, and Joe is sitting around doing nothing. If you ask me Joe D is overrated as a GM. I said it before and I'll say it again, don't be shocked if they miss the playoffs.
A source telling Dave Birkett said the Lions have talked to Jeff Backus, about the prospect of moving to guard. He said he was open to the idea. About time I thought. I have been telling myself this a couple years now. At best he is an average left tackle. Being an average tackle in the NFL wont cut it, especially if your covering your quarterback's blind side! Hopefully this means they will go over a tackle in the draft. (Andre Smith!)
Tomorrow night, Oakland University is traveling to Western Illinois for a conference clash. Last time these two teams met, Oakland spanked them by 40! Oakland will look for win number 17, and if they win out they will have 20 wins, the first time in Division 1 history. Oakland Men's and Women's swimming and Diving teams are hosting the conference tournament this Thursday through Saturday. They are a power house, and both teams have beaten Michigan State this year. I believe tickets are free, and if you want to see some great swimming, I recommend going!
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Recap on Michigan's recruiting class
Signing day as come and passed. After going 3-9 last year many expected Michigan to have a below average recruiting class coming in, however that is farther from the truth. Depending on the website Michigan ranks from 7th to 15th in this years recruiting class. Even though the recruiting for this year is not over, Michigan is not expected to sign anyone else. However with recruiting, one never knows till its official. Michigan landed some big time prospects that can make significant contributions next year.
Tate Forcier: He may and probably will be the starting the starting Quarterback next year for Michigan. He is the typical duel threat QB that is required to run the spread. He can run the ball, and has some good elusiveness. The best part about Tate is, he can throw, and he is very accurate for a freshman coming in. He wont be some project like Pat White was for West Virginia. Tate is already an established passer as well as a runner. He also enrolled early, so he will get that much needed experience running the offense.
William Campbell: This guy is a BEAST! Will comes in at 6-5 and weighing 317. This guy will be a beast on the D-line. He will probably get major playing time next year, being that the Defensive line is already thin. He can also play on the Offensive line, but right now, he is needed most playing defense. I will be enjoying watching in progress in the next 4 years.
Justin Turner: One of the best players to come from the state of Ohio, in fact he is one of the best safety's in the nation. Turner is very versatile, he can play safety and corner. He can not only play both positions, but he can be a lock down defender playing both! I hope Rich Rod plays him at safety next year. We already have a lousy secondary, and he will only help it. I believe he has a excellent chance of starting. If Justin doesn't start, he will get significant playing time. This kid can be the next great defensive player to come out of Michigan.
Fitzgerald Toussaint: He is a fantastic duel threat running back, a prototype spread back. He is fast, and he is a good pass catcher. He probably will not be in the running for a starting job, since the running back position for Michigan is pretty deep with Brandon Minor, Carlos Brown, and Michael Shaw. I do believe he will get to see the field during the year, most likely playing as a slot receiver. This kid has great potential. I expect him to have a solid career at Michigan, and not be a one and done kid like Sam.
The only thing that Michigan never truly addressed during this recruiting class was the linebacker position. We did land one, but we were not able to land one of the high school elites. Next year I expect Rich Rod to land a couple of stud Linebackers.
Quick Note
I am not surprised about A-rod being busted for steroids. However, how was he the only one singled out, out of over 100 players?! That doesn't make any sense. I think they should release all those names. Plus this was back in 2001-2003, who was not on the roids back then?! I also heard that Bud selig might, MIGHT suspend him for a couple of games?! Seriously Bud, your thinking about suspending A-rod for what he did 6 years ago?! When it was not against the rules to take steroids?! Give me a break, if he ends up getting suspended they need to suspend EVERYONE that got busted in 2003!
Tate Forcier: He may and probably will be the starting the starting Quarterback next year for Michigan. He is the typical duel threat QB that is required to run the spread. He can run the ball, and has some good elusiveness. The best part about Tate is, he can throw, and he is very accurate for a freshman coming in. He wont be some project like Pat White was for West Virginia. Tate is already an established passer as well as a runner. He also enrolled early, so he will get that much needed experience running the offense.
William Campbell: This guy is a BEAST! Will comes in at 6-5 and weighing 317. This guy will be a beast on the D-line. He will probably get major playing time next year, being that the Defensive line is already thin. He can also play on the Offensive line, but right now, he is needed most playing defense. I will be enjoying watching in progress in the next 4 years.
Justin Turner: One of the best players to come from the state of Ohio, in fact he is one of the best safety's in the nation. Turner is very versatile, he can play safety and corner. He can not only play both positions, but he can be a lock down defender playing both! I hope Rich Rod plays him at safety next year. We already have a lousy secondary, and he will only help it. I believe he has a excellent chance of starting. If Justin doesn't start, he will get significant playing time. This kid can be the next great defensive player to come out of Michigan.
Fitzgerald Toussaint: He is a fantastic duel threat running back, a prototype spread back. He is fast, and he is a good pass catcher. He probably will not be in the running for a starting job, since the running back position for Michigan is pretty deep with Brandon Minor, Carlos Brown, and Michael Shaw. I do believe he will get to see the field during the year, most likely playing as a slot receiver. This kid has great potential. I expect him to have a solid career at Michigan, and not be a one and done kid like Sam.
The only thing that Michigan never truly addressed during this recruiting class was the linebacker position. We did land one, but we were not able to land one of the high school elites. Next year I expect Rich Rod to land a couple of stud Linebackers.
Quick Note
I am not surprised about A-rod being busted for steroids. However, how was he the only one singled out, out of over 100 players?! That doesn't make any sense. I think they should release all those names. Plus this was back in 2001-2003, who was not on the roids back then?! I also heard that Bud selig might, MIGHT suspend him for a couple of games?! Seriously Bud, your thinking about suspending A-rod for what he did 6 years ago?! When it was not against the rules to take steroids?! Give me a break, if he ends up getting suspended they need to suspend EVERYONE that got busted in 2003!
Friday, February 6, 2009
One Hell of a week...
Sorry guys for the absence, I've been stressing out over school, test, projects, etc. I'll never take 5 classes again in a semester.
Yesterday Oakland hosted their biggest rival at the moment of Oral Roberts. Oakland had lost it previous two games out in the Dakota's road trip. They could of gone 2-0, for sure 1-1 but they blew the game against South Dakota State. It was huge to see my boys come out with a 81-69 victory over 2nd place Oral Roberts. This shows that Oakland is still alive, and they still have a lot to play for. Hopefully our team will start to click now, since the conference tournament is right down the road. Johnathon Jones might of played his best game ever as a golden grizzlies. He had 17 points, 13 assist and only 2 turnovers. Jones now lead the NCAA in total assist with 171. Kangas, was well Kangas, hitting 5 three's and leading the team with 21 points.
However, the main reason we won the game is due to our bench. The bench came alive tonight thanks to Blake Cushingberry and Dan "the Man" Waterstradt. Blake hit two clutch back to back three's late in the 2nd half when the game was still not decided. This is a huge confidence booster for Blake who has been struggling all year with his shot.
I have been very critical of Dan all year, in fact his whole Oakland career, but I have to give him is due today. He played great all around basketball last night. Hit a couple of three's, played tough hard nose defense, and came up with a couple of big blocks. He was a huge spark for the team last night off the bench. He might of played his best game ever. I really hope Dan can keep this up. If Dan can, we will be a very dangerous team come down the stretch.
Tomorrow Oakland Host Centenery College. This will be Oakland's first ever homecoming event. The game is at 6 PM. Hope you guys will be able to attend. ITS PAY BACK TIME!!
Quick thoughts
Pistons really need to get it together, REAL SOON. If they don't they will be risking a chance of missing the post-season. I don't think they will miss the post season, but with the way the Pistons are playing, I would not be surprised.
Is there a chance the Tigers will land Manny Ramirez? I've heard a couple times that Manny was actually in Detroit meeting with the Tigers. I do not know if this is true or not, but I would love to see Manny in Detroit. The guy can flat out hit. Bring him in, cut ties with Sheffield, that way Carlos Guillen can DH instead of playing out in left. I know Manny is a bad outfielder, but he is better than people think, he has a great arm and is very, very accurate. He would be better than Carlos Guillen.
Yesterday Oakland hosted their biggest rival at the moment of Oral Roberts. Oakland had lost it previous two games out in the Dakota's road trip. They could of gone 2-0, for sure 1-1 but they blew the game against South Dakota State. It was huge to see my boys come out with a 81-69 victory over 2nd place Oral Roberts. This shows that Oakland is still alive, and they still have a lot to play for. Hopefully our team will start to click now, since the conference tournament is right down the road. Johnathon Jones might of played his best game ever as a golden grizzlies. He had 17 points, 13 assist and only 2 turnovers. Jones now lead the NCAA in total assist with 171. Kangas, was well Kangas, hitting 5 three's and leading the team with 21 points.
However, the main reason we won the game is due to our bench. The bench came alive tonight thanks to Blake Cushingberry and Dan "the Man" Waterstradt. Blake hit two clutch back to back three's late in the 2nd half when the game was still not decided. This is a huge confidence booster for Blake who has been struggling all year with his shot.
I have been very critical of Dan all year, in fact his whole Oakland career, but I have to give him is due today. He played great all around basketball last night. Hit a couple of three's, played tough hard nose defense, and came up with a couple of big blocks. He was a huge spark for the team last night off the bench. He might of played his best game ever. I really hope Dan can keep this up. If Dan can, we will be a very dangerous team come down the stretch.
Tomorrow Oakland Host Centenery College. This will be Oakland's first ever homecoming event. The game is at 6 PM. Hope you guys will be able to attend. ITS PAY BACK TIME!!
Quick thoughts
Pistons really need to get it together, REAL SOON. If they don't they will be risking a chance of missing the post-season. I don't think they will miss the post season, but with the way the Pistons are playing, I would not be surprised.
Is there a chance the Tigers will land Manny Ramirez? I've heard a couple times that Manny was actually in Detroit meeting with the Tigers. I do not know if this is true or not, but I would love to see Manny in Detroit. The guy can flat out hit. Bring him in, cut ties with Sheffield, that way Carlos Guillen can DH instead of playing out in left. I know Manny is a bad outfielder, but he is better than people think, he has a great arm and is very, very accurate. He would be better than Carlos Guillen.
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