What a year we’ve had thus far in collegiate sports, with teams about halfway done through non-conference play, three #1 ranked teams have fallen to sides they were projected to take care of, with ease. The Big West is still looking for that signature victory, odds of which aren’t likely, but the sides are still putting in full effort.
1] UC Riverside Highlanders (6-2)
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Pac-12 kicks off football action tomorrow, as the Arizona Wildcats make a trip out to Hawaii during Week 0 action. Five conference teams made the pre-season top 25 ranking, all of which will look to climb the rankings, with Oregon having the biggest test of them all against a tough Auburn side on the road. Two games have no current lines, as both sides should win by huge margins.
Going to post quick picks here, nothing in depth. Go Pac!
#11 Oregon +3 at #16 Auburn (8/31 at 4:30 PST)
The Ducks have ambitions to climb into the College Football Playoff picture, and a win against Auburn to start the season will help them out. Rest of the non-conference slate isn’t impressive, meaning, Oregon needs to come out swinging, which I expect them to do and take the victory.
Looking to build up on the victory in Athens, the Armenian National Team will host Italy and Bosnia-and-Herzegovina during the next international break. Still, a few weeks away, Armen Gyulbudaghyants has announced the 13 invitees who play their club football abroad.
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Free agency was hectic, stars changed teams, players took control of their futures, players reneged from agreements and the Finals MVP signed away from his incumbent team. Rosters are beginning to take shape, while some free agents are hoping to get a call, knowing, they can contribute to any team. Here are four of the best available guards, in no order.
Jeremy Lin
Fresh off a championship, Lin is awaiting an opportunity for another chance in the association. Linsanity seems like an eternity ago, in basketball terms, Lin still has enough left in the tank to contribute to a side missing a top notch backup point.
Before heading to Toronto, Lin provided good leadership to Trae Young in Atlanta, while coming off the bench and putting up 10.7 points per outing in 19.7 minutes of action. He shot a respectable 46.6% from the field and provided his side with 3.5 assists as well.
The Los Angeles Clippers seem like they could be an obvious landing spot for Lin, however, wouldn’t be surprised to see him remain in Toronto or be snatched up by the Portland Trail Blazers.
Jamal Crawford
Seemingly an ageless wonder, Crawford had a solid season for a young Phoenix squad. His leadership on and off the court was visible, as the youth looked to the microwave for tips, despite a tough season. Crawford averaged just under 8 points a contest, while dishing out 3.6 assists.
He showed his abilities remain during the last four games of the campaign, averaging 31.3 points during that time frame, while hitting 55.1% from the field and 50% from behind the arc while dishing out 5.8 assists per night. The finale had Crawford going for 51 points on 18-30 shooting against the Dallas Mavericks.
Plenty of teams could use the leadership Crawford provides, along with the instant offensive punch. A return to Los Angeles could be a possibility, while Utah could also be a solid fit.
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Shaun Livingston
Fighting back from one of sport’s most gruesome injuries, Livingston has carved himself out a nice, lengthy career. After bouncing around for a bit, Livingston found himself at home with the Golden State Warriors, partaking in the run of five straight NBA Final Appearances, including three championship rings to go with it.
Due to salary cap constraints, the Warriors were forced to release Livingston, allowing him to become an unrestricted free agency, having the opportunity to determine which team he joins. Though, his statistics won’t jump out at you, Livingston provides leadership and a calming sense on the floor.
Numerous teams would benefit from Livingston’s services, including both Los Angeles teams. Portland and Utah could also both be nice fits for the veteran.
Jerryd Bayless
Bayless has been around the league for a while, entering his 12th season. Coming off a 30-game appearance with the Wolves, Bayless put up 6 points and 3.5 assists in 19 minutes of action. Best part was that Bayless averaged just under a turnover a contest at 0.9.
He isn’t quite the athlete he once was, but does have the experience and high motor to be a great emergency point guard on a good team.
Honorable Mention
Milos Teodosic: It’s unlikely the Serbian chooses to remain in the NBA after not getting burn on Doc Rivers’ Clippers side. His lack of defense was clearly exposed, however, Teodosic may be a better passer than anyone in the league currently, and can knock down shots from range.
Monta Ellis: Trying to make a comeback, Ellis has always been known for his scoring prowess. A two-year hiatus, Ellis could be a surprising addition for any team. Could be a great load management player.
Raymond Felton: If you need a veteran that will take care of the ball, facilitate and wave the towel, Felton may be the best alternative left. The soon to be 35-year old has earned minutes everywhere he’s went.
Jose Calderon: Calderon is nearing the end of his career, if not there already, however, would be a good mentor for the younger guys on any given roster.
Just moments ago, Ararat-Armenia went into Tbilisi and walked out 2-nil victors over Saburtalo Tbilisi, leading to an aggregate victory of 3-2. A huge, huge accomplishment for Armenian soccer.
However, it’s time to look ahead to the Europa League Playoff Round.
Continue readingAftermath of free agency may have topped the insanity of the Battle at the OK Corral, and, finally, it has settled. Here’s the post free agency rankings.
1] Milwaukee Bucks
Departure of Kawhi puts the defending regular season champs atop the Eastern Conference, and the league as a whole. Giannis Antetokounmpo is putting in work all summer and Mike Budenholzer has proven himself to be a an upper echelon coach. The East maybe the Bucks to lose.
2] Utah Jazz
Four days ago, if you had told me that Armenia will climb from 5th to 3rd in Group J of Euro 2020 qualifying, most would have looked at you like you were crazy. Myself included.
Well, here we are, and Armenia sits snuggly in third, three points behind second place Finland and two clear of Greece and Bosnia & Herzegovina.
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