This piece was originally published on RiseMiamiNews.com on July 27, 2015.
By Jose Lavergne
I BELIEVE THAT WE WILL WIN!
That popular chant has come to prominence during the United States 2014 World Cup run. But the chant is my response to questions about how the University of Florida football will fare this season.
Simply put, the team is being treated as an underdog because everyone expects it to be a rebuilding season. I’m in complete disagreement.
If you take away special teams, there are only two main sides to a football game, the defense and the offense. Defensively, we have a squad that are in line to continue to be ranked in the top 10 in every category imaginable. That gets rid of half of the concern.
Then we move to the offensive side, where you bring in two offensive coordinators who worked under Nick Saban and are in complete agreement on what style offense they are ready to bring to Gainesville. Sadly, in the past four years we had to deal with three different offensive coordinators who brought their own approaches.
Coach McElwain would be the first to tell you that there is a lot of talent but they are meant for different offensive plays, a land of misfit toys. Now we have the ability to have consistency in the offensive side , which brings me back to being confused on why some Gator fans are already throwing away our hopes for a successful season.
Yes there are obvious concerns over the inexperience on the Offensive Line but If I told you that you would have a 6’6, 350 man playing left tackle, who was the second highest rated player in his position when he came out of high school, and then potentially on the right side you would be playing the highest ranked offensive linemen of 2015 class on your right side, would you consider that a bad thing?
That is actually a reality at Florida with David Sharpe and Martez Ivey. Add a fifth year senior in Trip Thurman playing center, a two time All-American in the FCS by the name of Mason Halter, redshirt sophomore Antonio Riles at guard, as a starting line up, that sounds like a pretty great O-Line to me.
Then you have four quality running backs in Kelvin Taylor, Adam Lane, Jordan Scarlett, and Jordan Cronkite being a part of the rotation, that is depth at this particular position that the team hasn’t seen in the last couple of years.
You add to the passing game two special wide receivers in Demarcus Robinson and Brandon Powell, with tight ends that actually have played tight end (the last couple of years the Gators were transforming defensive ends into tight end), I see a very special team that would just need a quarterback that only needs to be concerned with managing rather than winning the game. It’s actually very similar to the Alabama style of quarterback play.
Let’s be optimistic about this team.
Maybe it’s just me wanting to enjoy my last fall football season as an undergraduate at the University of Florida, but I can see that there is something different about this team. They are following a coach that has a simple and straightforward message and has faced adversity through an arduous road to have the opportunity to coach a nationally recognized program.
I’m excited for this season and expect a resounding shock throughout the country when the Florida Gators go back to its old tradition of success. It couldn’t have arrived any sooner.
Like this piece? Rise News just launched a few weeks ago and is only getting started. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter to stay up to date with global news. Have a news tip? Send it to us- [email protected]
What Do You Think?
-
Here Are The 10 Best Millennials Playing In The NBA
By Jay Rumph
The 2015-2016 NBA season has already begun, and it’s time to decide on the top 10 players in the league- who also happen to be millennials (those born between 1980 and 2000).
Here is our list of the top 10 millennials players in the NBA:
Photo Credit: Matthew Addie/Flickr (CC By 2.0)
1) Stephen Curry, Golden State Warriors, PG
NBA champion and reigning MVP, Curry has played lights out thus far in the NBA season. The Warriors are on pace to win over 70 games this season, with Curry leading the way. Leading the Warriors to an undefeated record at 22-0, Curry is one of a kind. He’s the best shooter in the league, and will be the best shooter in NBA history when his career is over. Only 27 years old, he has not reached his prime yet. This year Curry is averaging 32.4 pts, 4.9 rebs, and 5.8 asts with intentions on taking the Warriors back to the NBA Finals.
Photo Credit: Keith Allison/ Flickr (CC By 2.0)
2) LeBron James, Cleveland Cavaliers, SF
James has been the best player in the league for years now. He continues to be a dominant force, and does not seem to be slowing down any time soon. Returning to Cleveland last year, he lead the Cavaliers to the NBA Finals his first year back in Cleveland. Plagued by injuries, the Cavs were unable to defeat the Warriors in the Finals after six games. James put the team on his back during the finals averaging 35.8 pts, 13.3 rbs, and 8.8 asts against the Warriors. Without a fully healthy team, the Cavaliers were unable to reach their ultimate goal.
Today is a new day, and LeBron is ready for this season. He is still the game’s best all-around player, and the Cavs only go as far as James will take them. The ultimate goal for James is to bring a championship back to Cleveland. Will this be the year for the Cleveland Cavaliers?
Photo Credit: Keith Allison/ Flickr (CC By 2.0)
3) Kevin Durant, Oklahoma City Thunder, SF
Kevin Durant is on pace to have his best scoring season yet. With a Returning from a foot injury that sidelined him for the remainder of the 2014-2015 NBA season, Durant looks to bounce back with full force. The former MVP is averaging just around 27.6 pts, 7.7 rebs, and 3.6 asts this year. In the last year of his contact with the Thunder, will we see Durant in a new uniform next year? His ultimate goal is to win a championship, and he finally has the supporting cast to help him achieve that goal.
Photo Credit: Keith Allison/ Flickr (CC By 2.0)
4) Anthony Davis, New Orleans Pelicans, PF
Davis is the youngest superstar in the NBA at age 22. Davis has tremendous upside and continues to improve every year. He led the Pelicans to an 8th seed in the Western Conference finals last year. A top candidate for the MVP award this season, Davis is averaging 23.8 pts, 10.9 rebs, and 2.8 blks. Last year he had the highest player efficiency rating in the NBA. The sky is the limit for Davis, but his main goal will be to win a championship.
5) James Harden, Houston Rockers, SG
The runner-up for the MVP award last year was James Harden. Arguably the best offensive player in the NBA currently, Harden scores the basketball with ease. James Harden is scoring points, assisting his teammates, and rebounding the ball for the Rockets. He’s averaging 29.5 pts, 6.7 rebs, and 6.6 asts this year, while trying to lead the Rockets back to the top of the Western Conference.
Photo Credit: Keith Allison/ Flickr (CC By 2.0)
6) Russell Westbrook, Oklahoma City Thunder, PG
The 6’3” point guard can do it all on the basketball court. The most aggressive and explosive point guard the NBA has ever seen. He’s a playmaker, scorer, defensive stopper, and superstar. Last year Westbrook earned his first scoring title, fourth All-Star Selection, and the All-Star MVP award. He led the league with 11 triple doubles, while leading the Thunder in Kevin Durant’s absence. There is nothing that Westbrook can’t do, and he has not reached his prime yet in the NBA.
Photo Credit: Keith Allison/ Flickr (CC By 2.0)
7) Blake Griffin, Los Angeles Clippers, PF
Blake Griffin is more than just a high flier. Probably the most athletic forward in the NBA currently, Griffin has worked on many aspects of his game. He’s a much more complete player then before, and has developed his face-up game to go along with his ability to score at the rim. Last year, he averaged 21.9 pts, 7.6 rebs, and 5.3 asts. He also shot 50 percent from the field and 73 percent at the free throw line. At 26, Blake is in his prime and has gained much experience through the playoffs playing alongside Chris Paul.
Photo Credit: Keith Allison/ Flickr (CC By 2.0)
8) Chris Paul, Los Angeles Clippers, PG
At age 30, Chris Paul is a veteran in the NBA, but continues to be one of the best point guards in the league. The smartest point guard in the league, Paul can still score the ball, pass, and defend the best guards around the league. Paul has never won a NBA championship since entering the NBA. Last year he averaged 19 pts, 10.2 asts, 4.6 rbs, and 1.9 stls earning him second team All NBA honors.
Photo Credit: GAMEFACE-PHOTOS/Flickr (CC By 2.0)
9) Demarcus Cousins, Sacramento Kings, C
The Kings did not make the playoffs last year, but Cousins showed a ton of upside for the franchise. A very talented center, Cousins has the skills on both sides of the ball to be a top player in the league. Last year he averaged 24.1 pts, 12.7 rbs, 3.6 asts, 1.7 blks, and 1.5 stls which earned him his first All-Star appearance. We can assume that Cousins continues to improve his all-around game playing with Rajon Rondo this year.
Where’s the blazer bro? Yes, we seriously couldn’t get a pic of him in a jersey. But trust us, he plays basketball. Photo Credit: Press Cambrabcn/ Flickr (CC By 2.0)
10) Marc Gasol, Memphis Grizzlies, C
Great defensive player with a talented offensive skill-set. Gasol has emerged as one of the best big man in the NBA over the last couple of years. Last year, Gasol made first team All-NBA honors after he averaged, 17.4 pts, 7.8 rebs, 3.8 asts, and 1.6 blks. He also shot 50 percent from the floor, and 80 percent from the charity line. Marc sets himself apart from other big men with his mid-range touch and savvy post moves.
What Do You Think?
-
If Not Kobe, Then Who Is The Greatest Laker Of All Time?
In the 68-year history of the Minneapolis/Los Angeles Lakers (the nickname makes more sense now, doesn’t it?) there have been a laundry list of excellent players. These great names have been instrumental in the franchise’s success.
With Kobe Bryant announcing that he will retire at the end of this season, now seems like as good a time as ever to list the top 5 players in franchise history.
Now this is only this writer’s personal list and there are arguments that can be made for a number of individuals.
A few things to note before the listing begins.
This will only encompass the respective players on-court careers. So as important as some people have been behind the scenes and in the front office, those achievements will not be considered.
As this is a list of all-time Lakers, the years and statistics listed will only be for those years that the players were part of the franchise.
- Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, C, (1975-1989) 22.1 Pts, 9.4 Reb, 2.5 Blks
Photo Credit: Tony Hisgett/ Flickr (CC By 2.0)
How can you go wrong with the NBA’s leading scorer? While he was originally drafted 1st overall in the 1969 Draft by the Milwaukee Bucks, Kareem spent 14 of his 20 season in Los Angeles. A major part of the 1980s “Showtime” teams, he was league MVP three times and an NBA Champion five times while playing in southern California.
2. Earvin “Magic” Johnson, PG, (1979-1991, 1996) 19.5 Pts, 7.2 Reb, 11.2 Ast
Photo Credit: tenaciousme/ Flickr (CC By 2.0)
Another 1st overall pick, this time in 1979, “Magic” was a 6’9″ point guard and the distributor for the aforementioned “Showtime” teams. By the time his career ended, he was a five-time NBA Champion and a three-time MVP. One of the best play-makers of his size, Magic paved the ways for modern players like LeBron James and James Harden to be their teams’ primary ball-handlers.
3. Kobe Bryant, SG, (1996-2016) 25.2 Pts, 5.3 Reb, 4.8 Ast (as of this writing)
Photo Credit: Keith Allison/ Flickr (CC By 2.0)
The “Black Mamba”, he is and has been the face of the Lakers for the majority of his 20-year career. Though he was only MVP on one occasion, he was a part of five championship teams. Bryant also holds the Lakers record for points with 32,785 as of this writing.
4. Jerry West, PG, (1960-1974) 27 Pts, 5.8 Reb, 6.7 Ast
Photo Credit: Prayitno /Flickr (CC By 2.0)
The 2nd overall pick in 1960 (right behind fellow Hall-of-Famer Oscar Robertson), West does not have the accolades of others on this list. He was never league MVP and he only won one championship, though he was an All-Star selection every year he played. However, his pure play-making ability earned him nicknames such as “Mr. Clutch” and “Mr. Outside”. Nowadays, he is also known as the inspiration for the silhouette that makes up the NBA logo today.
5. George Mikan, C, (1947-1954, 1956) 23.1 Pts, 13.4 Reb (only BBA/NBA stats available)
Photo Credit: jpellgen/ Flickr (CC By 2.0)
Mikan was the first superstar of professional basketball. He arrived with the Lakers in his second professional season when they were part of the National Basketball League. The franchise jumped the next year to the Basketball Association of America, which the following year became the NBA. He led the Lakers to five BBA/NBA championships, while leading the league in scoring three times and rebounds twice.
Cover Photo Credit: jpellgen/ Flickr (CC By 2.0)
What Do You Think?
-
Lionel Messi Given 21-Month Sentence For Tax Fraud
Barcelona football star Lionel Messi has been sentenced to 21 months in prison after a Spanish court found him guilty of three counts of tax fraud. A court statement on Wednesday said the sentence could be appealed through the Spanish supreme court Judges also sentenced the Argentine forward’s father, Jorge, to 21 months in prison for… Read More
What Do You Think?
