Ray Allen Exercises Option, Another Year of Trey City

Everyone new this was going to happen but at least it's official now. The Celtics have Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen for another year while Pierce is still locked up for three. All they need now is some big man presence through the draft or free agency. I'm all for trying to trade into the teens in the draft and attempting to get one of the foreigner big men that drop(Donatas Motiejunas or Bismack Biyombo). We also need some more depth on the bench. If we don't trade up, possibly picks I could see would be Dukies Kyle Singler and Nolan Smith, Tyler Honeycutt, or Marshon Brooks.

College Coaches in Trouble

Yahoo Sports had an interesting column on Coaches on the Hot Seat. I thought the column was pretty interesting and wanted to voice my opinion on some of them:

Tom Crean- Anyone that is calling for him to be gone at Indiana is crazy. The guy was basically dealt a seven two off suit in Hold'Em which is why he's struggled. But the incoming freshmen class and next years class are gonna do some damage and get them back to the dance. If he struggles for the next to years, yeah give him the axe, but truthfully I don't think there's much to worry about here.

Rick Stansbury- The Mississippi State coach is frowned upon some by keeping Renardo Sidney on the team, but who really knows what went on beyond closed doors. With Sidney and incoming five star Rodney hood, Miss State should be an upper tier team in the SEC behind Kentucky and Florida. I think they will get in the dance with ease and Stansbury should be comfortable.

Derek Kellogg- The last coach I'm going to mention represents the stomping grounds of the Commish. Personally I love Coach Kellogg. I've played pick up with him numerous times in the Rec Center and overall, he's just a great guy. He's also tried an unbelievable amount to get the students involved, but the best way to get the students in the seats is to play some big teams and win some games. The sad part is UMASS has struggled since Kellogg has arrived. Two years ago he brought in one of the bests recruit classes in the Atlantic 10 but hasn't gotten much out of it. With that coup now Juniors, this is a make or break year for Kellogg. The biggest question marks are will Terrell Vinson ever live up to his high school hype, and will now eligible transfer Chaz Williams finally give UMASS the Point Guard presence it desperately needs? I hope UMASS goes undefeated and Kellogg gets an extension, but if it doesn't work out for Kellogg I say bring in Bruce Pearl. UMASS has become non existent since Calipari left and Bruce has the capability to get the media and future recruits' attention.

Dirk Looks to Even the Series

The Mavericks couldn't pull out the come back in Game 3, but I just don't picture them losing two in a row in Dallas. Dwayne Wade has taken the reigns to the Heat's offense and is not looking back. The biggest need for Dallas is for Jason Terry, Peja, and Jason Kidd to each pick up their scoring just a little bit to take some pressure off of Dirk. Dirk has been unbelievable, but the man can only do so much. After this series, he's gonna have to get checked for scoliosis from carrying the Mavs on his back for so long. I just can't stand the fact that it's looking like Lebron is going to get a ring. I just hate that guy.

Rubio Becomes a Timberwolf, T Wolves in a SF Dilemma

Well the Timberwolves may have someone to complement rebound machine Kevin Love. Earlier this week Rubio agreed to sign with the Timberwolves. This gives the T Wolves some help at point guard since the other the drafted is a complete bust compared to the others drafted after him (Stephen Curry, Brandon Jennings, Ty Lawson). Most scouts think that Rubio has lost some of has sparkle from two years ago, but I think most of that has attributed to him switching teams last year and playing on an injured foot for most of this past season. Rubio may not be a scoring assassin but definitely has that playmaker ability.

The bigger question seems to be what are the T Wolves do at Small Forward. Last year they drafted Wes Johnson, who I see as almost useless in the NBA. He averaged nine points a game on a team that was screaming for a number two guy behind love. Johnson is not that man my friends. They also traded for Michael Beasley. Beasley has these short outbursts saying he could be that guy they need, but nothing is set in stone. With the number two pick this year, it seems like they can't pass up on Derrick Williams from Arizona. Now there are three reasonable scenarios that could happen. One they could trade the draft pick for an accomplished veteran player and/or later pick(s) in the draft to take a Shooting Guard or Center. Two they could draft Williams and trade either Wes Johnson or Michael Beasley. the other option would be to draft a Center like Enes Kanter who everyone has been raving about after the combine. If they draft Williams and keep Johnson and Beasley, I think they are clogging up one position while they still have enormous needs at Shooting Guard and Center. I understand Johnson could play the Shooting Guard, but truthfully I just don't like the guy.

The Commish's Power Rankings: Week 1

With Week 1 under the belt, the Commish is going to start his annual league power rankings. I first want to say that rankings are not solely maintained on a team's record or the score of their games. Things considered are what teams a team has played so far, team improvement over the year, if players were missing during losses, and overall team talent perception. With this said here's what it looks like for now:

1. No ID No Idea (1-0)- I have to put them at No.1 for Week 1 because they took down the big bad wolf of the league in the Super Villain Squad. With the Hannon Brother Duo they can match up with anyone down low, and sharpshooter Mailk Little and fast break starter Joey Wilkes do a great job with their fast paced offense.

2. Thumbs Up (1-0)- Thumbs up thrashed the Dirty Burg, but that's not the reason they're in this spot. So far this team looks like the best shooting team in the league. Every player on this roster is a three point threat, and their transition game is the best in the league along with No ID No Idea. On defense they can match up with anyone. I'm not mentioning any players in this review for them because this team gets contributions by their entire roster. This weeks winner of their game with No ID No Idea will probably be No.1 next week.

3. Super Villain Squad (0-1)- Even with a loss in Week 1, the Squad is still looked as a championship level team. I can't picture Chad Earls allowing his team to lose many more games this year. With the presence of Jared Lang and Chad on defense, I just wonder why does a team that can match up with anyone just sit in a zone so much.

4. Cougar Bait (1-0)- The defending champs dominated Kung Fu Panda, but if they didn't they would have been much lower. That win is almost equivalent to the Perkins School of the Blind. Cougar Bait is a good team, but after Martin I just don't see many players that will be able to do something when they play a team that plays tough man to man defense right in their face.

5. Dump Em Out(1-0)- This team is my biggest question mark in the rankings. They won by forfeit in Week 1 and have major losses coming into the season. I'm very curious to see who they reload with. Truthfully, I don't see this team ever surpassing a ranking higher than No. 5.

6. The Dirty Burg (0-1)- This team looks like it will be on the verge of playoff contender all season long. they have scoring capability behind Chris brooks, but the wild card will be how many games will hustle machine Tom Mcdermott be able to make.

7. Kung Fu Panda (0-1)- Well this team doesn't lack any heart, that's for sure. But it's lacking talent by far. Hopefully Chris Pinheiro will be able to make some games because after Greg Ware, there is not another player that I can see to step up and control a game.

8. Tune Squad (0-1)- This ranking will skyrocket soon, but when you don't show up for Week 1 and didn't play last year I just have nothing to go by. I picture the Tune Squad to jump to around No.4 next week, but first they have to show up to a game.

Martin Leads the Way as Cougar Bait Tramples Kung Fu Panda

The defending champs started the season on the same note as last year. A victory. The score was never close with Cougar Bait having a halftime lead of 20-2. Kung Fu Panda woke up somewhat in the second half, with the game closing with a score of 40-15. Cougar Bait was lead as usual by utility man Dave Martin hitting threes, making key drives to the hoop, and pushing the transition game. Dave Glassmen was a force in the paint collecting boards like a prostitute collects condoms. Kung Fu Panda's fifteen points were mostly from the little three of Greg Ware, Derek Woodworth, and Kevin Traverse. With Week 1 under wraps, the NSHL looks like its on its way for an excellent year 2!

Tune Squad Lost in Space

For Saturday morning's game, the Tune Squad was no where to be found like Jordan after his hole in one. This gives Dump Em Out a forfeit victory, which will be huge to their quest for the playoffs.

Thumbs Up Punches the Dirty Burg in the Mouth

It was the same story from the first possession to the last. Thumbs Up started the game 7-0 and didn't take the foot off the gas. The Commish started the game off with a turn around pull up on the first possession, and sharpshooter Matt Donnovan made his debut noticed in a hurry by banging out three threes in the opening minutes. Reigning Player of the Year Doug Schlehuber did the usual with a couple threes, some beautiful finishes at the rim, along with an a no look behind the neck assist. The offense was quarterbacked by Dan Nagle. young Steve Burrill also played great in his Thumbs up debut with a couple threes including the game ender and some fast break finishes. For the Dirty Burg, their offense was carried by Chris Brooks and Travis Jolly. They also had a solid contribution from young gun Danny Refuse.

How the Mighty Have Fallen: No ID No Idea Upsets the Super Villain Squad

As the sun was fading, the darkness was setting in. This would seem to be the perfect weather for someone called the Super Villain Squad, but with a 40-38 loss,  it was the complete opposite. Riding on the back of Malik Little's three point barrage and game clinching fade-away along, Joey Wilkes' push to the transition game, and with Pat Hannon being a force in the interior, No ID No Idea went from sure fire playoff team to surefire championship contender. The Super Villain squad was up by one at half, but refused to leave their zone defense and paid the price for it. The had great contributions from Jared Lang offensively,  defensively Chad Earls was equalizing No ID No Idea as much as possible, and had their own sniper in Death Stroke.

The game was a back and forth battle with some verbal taunts back and forth, but it was a beautiful game for opening day. The once thought league favorites have gone down in week one, but they'll have plenty of time and chances to contend for the ship. On the other hand, the young guns from No ID No Idea are in for another battle next week against the other winner Thumbs Up. Year two of the NSHL is on to a hot start.

The Big Diesel Finally Bids Farewell

Today is one of the saddest days in America's history. My all time favorite hoop player announced via twitter that he's played his final game in the NBA. Shaq is the greatest center of my time and one of the most dominating ever. I feel bad for the kids that only know Shaq as a CAv or a Celtic because he was only an ounce of what he use to be. He leaves the game as fifth in scoring (Kobe will pass him next year), twelfth in rebounds, and seventh in blocks all time. One of his most underrated assets was his vision and ability to pass the ball from the block. He was the number one pick out of LSU by the magic and dominated the paint ever since. Superman won 4 rings (3 with Lakers and 1 with Heat), and was Rookie of the Year, MVP, Finals MVP (3 times), All Star Game MVP (3 times), League All Star (15 times) and NBA scoring leader (2 times). He is in company with only Willis Reed and Michael Jordan for winning a League, Finals, and All Star MVP. The Big Diesel was a larger than life figure.

This video shows it all. His love for the game and the fans (1:50), his strength (2:11), and his ability to dominate big time talent ex: Parish, Robinson, Mourning, Pippen, Ginobili, and others.

"Just too good. Just too strong. Just too good."