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The Woelfel World of Sports
Friday February 5, 2010
Posted by: gwoelfel at 5:03PM CST on February 5, 2010
GERY WOELFEL Since the start of the 2009 NFL season, I’ve been on the New Orleans Saints’ bandwagon. I like their coach Sean Payton, I like their creative and explosive offense under the impeccable direction of quarterback Drew Brees, I like their opportunistic defense with the cerebral Darren Sharper overseeing the secondary and I even like their sometimes goofy owner Tom Benson. But last week I got goofy – not Billy Ray Cyrus goofy – but goofy enough to get off the Saints’ bandwagon and hop aboard the Brett Favre-Vikings’ Express. But then Favre went goofy – again -- and the Saints won a game they had absolutely no business winning. So, now that the Saints have advanced to Sunday’s Super Bowl against the Indianapolis Colts, do I get back on the Saints’ bandwagon? Do I trust Brees to have another fabulous showing? Do I believe the Saints’ defense that has overachieved all season will overachieve one more time? Or, do I put my faith in the Colts and their incomparable quarterback Peyton Manning, who could make you or me look like an authentic NFL receiver just as he has done this season with Pierre Garcon and Austin Collie? Colts or Saints? Saints or Colts? It’s tough call, right? Well, maybe not. I fully expect Manning the Magnificent to carve up the Saints secondary and cement his status as the game’s greatest QB. Colts 34, Saints 20 This week’s celebrity pickers: University of Wisconsin football coach Bret Bielema: "I love to watch great football games and this could be a great football game. You have two great quarterbacks (Manning and Brees), arguably the best in the business. "But it’s been a special season for the Saints. I'm kind of pulling for the underdog. I always go for the underdog, so I’m going with the Saints.’’ John Hammond, general manager of the Milwaukee Bucks: "I’ll take the Colts. I said this earlier in the year, when the Colts and Saints were both undefeated, that both teams are so explosive offensively but that the Colts are better defensively. The numbers have kind of proved that. "I still feel that way now; the Colts are better defensively the Saints. How’s that for the ultimate layman’s opinion?’’ Jamil Wilson, former All-State basketball player from Horlick High School who is now a starter as a freshman for the University of Oregon: "The Colts; they’re my favorite team. Peyton Manning is amazing and our defense should be able to hold up.’’
Thursday January 28, 2010
Posted by: gwoelfel at 3:31PM CST on January 28, 2010
GERY WOELFEL Following Wednesday’s victory over the Philadelphia 76ers, Milwaukee Bucks rookie point guard Brandon Jennings was asked if his teammate, Andrew Bogut, should be selected to the Eastern Conference All-Star team as a reserve. Jennings, who’ll be in the Big D as part of the Rookie Challenge, didn’t hesitate. He strongly endorsed Bogut and felt he should definitely be one of the seven players chosen by the Eastern Conference coaches. I agree. Aside from Orlando’s Dwight Howard, there hasn’t been a more complete, a more team-oriented or better center in the East this season than Bogut. As it turned out, Bogut wasn't chosen. But even if he was, the entire NBA All-Star selection process needs to be radically revamped. After all, Allen Iverson being chosen by the fans as a starter for the Eastern Conference is a farce. The fans also came perilously close to voting Tracy McGrady into the Western Conference starting lineup. And, does anyone truly believe Kevin Garnett should be starting for the East? By putting non-deserving players in the starting lineup, it taints the product and robs much more deserving players of perhaps a once-in-a-lifetime honor. I agree with NBA commissioner David Stern’s desire to have fans be a part of the All-Star process. I disagree with Stern in letting them pick the starters. I propose the NBA head coaches select the five starters in their respective conferences (they can’t pick any of their own players) and a panel of NBA columnists/beat reporters selects the five reserves in their respective conferences. I would still allow the fans to fill out their ballots with their two highest vote-getters, ones not chosen by either the coaches or media, being the wild-card selections. Some other news and views: -- Under the collective bargaining agreement, an NBA team is mandated to carry 13 players on their roster. Why then, can’t they all suit up and be eligible to play every game? -- With the Feb. 18 trading deadline fast approaching, trade winds are starting to pick up. The biggest names swirling around are Toronto’s Chris Bosh and Phoenix’s Amar’e Stoudemire I’m hearing the Miami Heat are enamored with Bosh and, more importantly, so is Heat superstar Dwyane Wade. Wade, I’ve been informed, has in so many words told Heat management to bring in a star player over the summer or he, a free-agent in-waiting as well, may be relocating his immeasurable talents to a different zip code. It should also be noted that Wade and Bosh are both represented by Henry Thomas. As for Stoudemire, the Chicago Bulls could be the leaders in the clubhouse. Several NBA officials told me the Bulls would be willing to put together an enticing package that would definitely include Tyrus Thomas and possibly Kirk Hinrich and Brad Miller. -- About a month ago, an always-reliable source told me the Washington Wizards were moving along nicely toward reaching a contract extension with talented small forward Caron Butler. But then came the Gilbert Arenas fiasco. Now the word is the Wizards are willing to move anyone on their roster, including Butler and another quality veteran, Antawn Jamison, who still remains on the Cavaliers’ radar. -- Contrary to most mock drafts, a long-time, highly-respected NBA scout told me he doesn’t consider Lithuanian power forward Donatas Motiejunas a lottery candidate. On the flip side, several NBA scouts contend some mock-ery drafts aren’t giving enough love to Texas freshman guard Avery Bradley, who they believe will emerge as a top 10 selection if he elects to turn pro. -- I was told today that approximately 85,000 tickets have already been sold for the upcoming NBA All-Star Game at Jerry Jones' palace. -- Wade, Bosh and LeBron James will be the headliners in a star-studded free-agent lineup this summer. But there will likely be a star coach available as well. Barring something unforeseen, it looks like George Karl, unequivocally one of the best at his craft, will be on the open market. A well-informed NBA lifer said "It’s slim to none’’ Karl will return to the Denver Nuggets who, at last check, had the second-best record in the wild, wild West. Thursday January 21, 2010
Posted by: gwoelfel at 4:01PM CST on January 21, 2010
GERY WOELFEL The ultimate matchup for this year’s Super Bowl would be the Minnesota Vikings and Indianapolis Colts. It would feature the living legend -- Brett Favre -- versus -- the legend-in-waiting -- Peyton Manning. Rest assured the television ratings for a Favre-Manning show would be through the roof. Now the $64,000 question is whether the NFL and CBS – which will broadcast the Super Bowl – will get their dream game. The feeling from here is they will indeed. While I’m quite reluctant to give up on my preseason NFC pick to make the Super Bowl – the New Orleans Saints – the Vikings have superior talent, a menacing front seven on defense and Favre, who absolutely relishes the underdog role. So, here’s how I see this weekend’s conference championship games unfolding: -- Minnesota 27, New Orleans 20: While I’m a huge Drew Brees fan, the Superdome could be the venue where Vikings running back Adrian Peterson shows the world he is the most gifted running back since Jim Brown. -- Indianapolis 38, N.Y. Jets 20: If Manning isn’t the greatest quarterback ever, he’s darn close. As long as he doesn’t throw in the direction of Jets’ all-world CB Darrelle Revis, the Colts will be on their way to the Big Show. Here’s how this week’s celebrity pickers see the two matchups: Racine native Vinny Rottino of the Florida Marlins: -- Indianapolis 23, New York Jets 10: "I think the Colts are a really good team. Peyton Manning is phenomenal. As much as I like Brett Favre and Aaron Rodgers, he’s the best quarterback.’’ -- Minnesota 31, New Orleans 28: "I love Brett Favre. I don’t care what happened with his situation in Green Bay – I don’t know how many people really do know what went on there – but I’m rooting for him and I think they’re going to win. He’s like a kid out there playing sandlot football on the biggest stage on earth. He’s awesome to watch play.’’ Milwaukee Bucks point guard Luke Ridnour: -- New Orleans over Minnesota: "I really don’t why (I’m picking the Saints), but I think they’ll win.’’ -- Indianapolis over New York Jets: "I like Manning; he’s pretty good. I’m picking them (the Cols) to win it all.’’ Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame safety LeRoy Butler: -- Colts 27, Jets 17: "I love the Jets’ defense, but the Colts are more experienced and I’m not just talking about Peyton Manning. They know how to deal with the hoopla of a championship game and that’s very important. And they’re rested and have something to prove.’’ -- Saints 34, Vikings 23: "Drew Brees is going to his first Super Bowl. I think this is Drew Brees’ time. The fast-pace play-calling of (Saints coach) Sean Payton will be tough for the Vikings to deal with. And the crowd noise in the Superdome is unbelievable. With that noise, the defense can’t get off the line as fast; Brett can’t do his hard count anymore with that noise. Last week (against Dallas), Brett used that hard count three times. This week, he won’t be able to do that. That takes away a weapon. You got to look at little things like that when picking a game like this.’’ Tuesday January 19, 2010
Posted by: gwoelfel at 7:31PM CST on January 19, 2010
GERY WOELFEL Milwaukee Bucks coach Scott Skiles hasn't been bashful about moving players in and out of the lineup this season. Skiles has given the quick hook to virtually everyone on the team at one time or another. But the one player Skiles should just leave alone is center Andrew Bogut. Bogut is clearly the Bucks' best player and most productive one. For the season, the 25-year-old Bogut is averaging a double-double with 15.1 points and 10.4 rebounds. And that's while averaging just 32.8 minutes a game. When Bogut is given extended minutes, though, his production skyrockets and ranks right up there with the best players in the NBA. Look what Bogut has accomplished in the last five games in which he has played at least 40 minutes: -- Dec. 12, against Portland, Bogut played 44 minutes and scored 27 points, grabbed nine rebounds and had two blocked shots. -- Dec. 21, against Indiana, Bogut played 40 minutes and scored 31 points, grabbed 18 rebounds and had three blocked shots. -- Jan. 2, against Oklahoma City, Bogut played 40 minutes and totaled 23 points, 15 rebounds and two blocked shots. -- Jan. 8, against Chicago, Bogut played 42 minutes and finished with 27 points, 13 rebounds and six blocked shots. -- Jan. 18, against Houston, Bogut played 45 minutes and wound up with 18 points, 17 rebounds and six blocked shots. Do the math, and you'll discover that in those five games where Bogut stayed on the floor for most of the game, he averaged a whopping 25.2 points, 14.4 rebounds and 3.8 blocked shots. One other thing: In those five games, the Bucks posted a 4-1 record.
Friday January 15, 2010
Posted by: gwoelfel at 8:13PM CST on January 15, 2010
GERY WOELFEL So far, so good. Nearly four months ago, I predicted the New Orleans Saints would be the NFC representative in this season’s Super Bowl. Well, I still like Saints to get to the Big One, although they looked anything but super at the end of the regular season. Of course, neither did the Arizona Cardinals and we all know what they did to the Packers last Sunday. Those same Cardinals will try to send the Saints the packin’ Saturday. And they could do it if they don’t allow a Saints defender to get up-close-and-not-so-personable with Cardinals QB Kurt Warner. But the Saints will be in Warner’s face early and often, and will advance to the NFC championship: Saints 34, Cardinals 24. And who will the Saints have to beat to advance to the Super Bowl? I’m going with the Minnesota Vikings and their old codger of a quarterback (If you don't know who that is, just call Packers GM Ted Thompson): Vikings 20, Tony Romo and the Dallas Cowboys 17. In the AFC? My Tarot cards say Colts to buck the Ravens 27-17, and the Chargers to jet-tison New York 20-14. This week’s celebrity pickers: Rae Lin D’Alie, who was a terrific RYS quarterback and is now a terrific point guard for the University of Wisconsin: -- New Orleans over Arizona -- Baltimore over Indianapolis -- San Diego over the NY Jets -- Minnesota over Dallas: “I like Brett Favre. Brett Favre knows how to get it done. He wants to wind up on top, so I’m sure he’ll give it his all.’’ Jim McIlvaine, former NBA center and current color commentator for Marquette University basketball games: -- Baltimore over Indianapolis -- New Orleans over Arizona -- Dallas over Minnesota: "Tony Romo is a Racine County guy (from Burlington), so I'd be remiss not to pull for Tony to go all the way.'' -- NY Jets over San Diego: "I'll say the Chargers because I like their uniforms better.'' University of Wisconsin safety Chris Maragos of Racine: -- New Orleans over Arizona: "I think Drew Brees has it going. The Saints have too much firepower.'' -- Indianapolis over Baltimore -- NY Jets over San Diego: "I'm close to Jim Leonhard (a former Badger who plays safety for the Jets); we're good friends. And the Chargers don't have the best run defense.'' -- Minnesota over Dallas: "Minnesota can run and throw the ball; Dallas, you can make one-dimensional. I'm a big Tony Romo fan, but I got to go with Minnesota in this game.''
Monday January 11, 2010
Posted by: gwoelfel at 3:42PM CST on January 11, 2010
GERY WOELFEL
Whether you’re a fan of his game or not, you have to feel saddened by the news that Michael Redd’s season is over after he tore the anterior cruciate and medial collateral ligaments in his left knee Sunday night in the Milwaukee Bucks’ game against the L.A. Lakers.
It was the same type of injury that forced Redd to miss the team's final 35 game of the season.
Redd, 30, entered this season averaging 20.3 points a game during his pro career. He has been slowed this season while recovering from surgery and was aveaging 11.9 points. . As good of a player as Redd has been, he’s an even better person. As former Bucks and current San Antonio Spurs forward Marcus Haslip recently told me: “Michael does everything the right way. You don’t find many people like Michael Redd.’’ Saturday January 9, 2010
Posted by: gwoelfel at 2:45PM CST on January 9, 2010
BY GERY WOELFEL Before the commencement of the NFL season, I predicted the Green Bay Packers would win 10 or 11 games, make the playoffs and then go on vacation after one postseason victory. I'm sticking to my story. Hence, a Packers' victory Sunday is in the Cards: Packers 31, Cardinals 17. My other opening-round playoff picks: -- Bengals 20, Jets 17 -- Cowboys 24, Eagles 17 -- Patriots 27, Ravens 13 This week's celebrity pickers: Steve Fifer, sports personality for WSSP (1250 AM) in Milwaukee: -- Jets 20, Bengals 17 -- Cowboys 30, Eagles 24 -- Ravens 13, Patriots 10 -- Packers 45, Cardinals 24 Kurt Thomas, veteran power forward of the Milwaukee Bucks and avid Cowboys fan: -- Bengals 21, Jets 13 -- Cowboys 24, Eagles 14 -- Cardinals 27, Packers 24 -- Patriots 34, Ravens 14 |
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