Kings Likely to Remain in Sacramento

                It appears the Kings will be staying in Sacramento after all.  The franchise seemed destined to defect to Seattle after the team's majority owners privately “executed a deal that would land a record sale price to a deep-pocketed and respected group that promised a glittering new downtown arena.”

                But on Monday, an NBA ownership committee unanimously voted against moving the Kings out of Sacramento.  There will be another formal vote for all 30 owners on May 13^th but according to ESPN.com, the full body is expected to ratify the recommendation made by the seven members of the relocation committee on Monday.

                The Kings have now likely staved off relocating for the second time in the past three years as the franchise almost moved to Anaheim in 2011.

                Sacramento mayor Kevin Johnson took to twitter to explain his excitement:

 "That's what I'm talking about SACRAMENTO!!!!! WE DID IT!!!!!"

                Johnson had to overcome long odds just like the Kings. As of January, he had no competing ownership bid, no plan for a new arena and no working relationship with the Maloof family, the team's owners.

                Johnson was reportedly courted earlier yesterday at a pep rally at a downtown restaurant in Sacramento. Johnson called the owners recommendation a "big day for the city of Sacramento."

                Steve Ballmer and Chris Hansen will likely get the short hand of the stick in this settlement. Ballmer and Hansen bid $365 million for 65 percent of the team and had made a separate deal with a bankruptcy court to pay $15 million for another 7 percent. They were also willing to pay millions more in relocation fees and arena development in a larger market.

                Despite the setback, Hansen has not given up on moving the Kings to Seattle.

                "When we started this process everyone thought it was impossible," Hansen wrote. "While this represents yet another obstacle to achieving our goal, I just wanted to reassure all of you that we have numerous options at our disposal and have absolutely no plans to give up. Impossible is nothing but a state of mind."

                Meanwhile, Johnson wrote another celebratory tweet:

 "I've never been prouder of this city. I thank the ownership group, city leaders, but most of all the BEST FANS IN THE NBA!!!”

                Johnson acknowledged that Seattle, who has been without an NBA team since the Sonics left after the 2007-2008 season, “no doubt deserves a team in the future."

                Seattle mayor Mike McGinn vowed to keep fighting to attain an NBA team.

                "I'm proud of how Sonics fans have rallied together to help Seattle get a team," McGinn said in a statement. "We're going to stay focused on our job: making sure Seattle remains in a position to get a team when the opportunity presents itself."

Mayor Johnson appears to have saved the Kings. (ESPN Photo)

Revis Trade Makes Bucs Playoff Contenders

(AP Image)            

          Newly-acquired Tampa Bay Buccaneers cornerback Darrelle Revis has high expectations for his new squad, which has not reached the postseason since 2007. The disgruntled All-Pro cornerback was traded from the New York Jets to the Buccaneers in exchange for the 13^th overall pick in the upcoming NFL draft and a conditional draft pick in either the third or fourth round in the 2014 NFL Draft. The Buccaneers immediately inked Revis to a 6 year, $96 million (no guaranteed money) contract upon acquiring the 27-year-old shut down corner, who missed almost the entirety of the 2012 season after tearing his ACL in Week 2.

            Six months removed from his knee surgery that repaired his torn left ACL, Revis is still unsure if he will be ready for the start of the 2013 season. Revis will likely do everything he can to fully recover in time for the season opener, given that the Buccaneers open their 2013 campaign at MetLife Stadium against Revis’ former team.

            After a major surgery, Revis understands that there will be doubters that will contend he will no longer be the great cover cornerback he was once was before tearing the ACL.

            "People are going to sit here and say, 'How's he going to perform? How's he going to play? Is he going to be like he was before?'" Revis said. "I understand all of that. I'm a hard worker. It's all on me. I'll give it my all."

            Revis asserted that he does not have a chip on his shoulder, despite his displeasure with how he was treated in New York.

            "I don't have nothing to prove to the New York Jets," he said, adding that he still considers himself a great player. "I don't have nothing to prove to nobody. I know my expectations as a player, and that's that."

            Revis could be the perfect addition to a Buccaneers team that ranked dead last in passing defense a season ago.  Earlier in the off-season, the Buccaneers signed former San Francisco 49ers safety Dashon Goldson.

Darrelle Revis Trade from a Patriots Standpoint

                The obvious takeaway from the Revis trade from a New England Patriots viewpoint is that a division rival has been significantly weakened for the time being, making the Patriots’ contests against the Jets this season a heck of a lot easier. Revis played exceptionally well against the Patriots over the years, often making the likes of Randy Moss and Wes Welker non-factors. He recorded two interceptions in nine career games against the Patriots, while shutting down the Patriots’ primary offensive targets. He was a major proponent of the Jets team that upset the Patriots in the 2010 AFC Divisional Round.

            Just like how Jets head coach Rex Ryan was pleased to see Welker depart to the Denver Broncos in the off-season, Patriots head coach Bill Belichick will likely be glad he no longer has to prepare for Revis when squaring off against the Jets.

            Jets head coach Rex Ryan commented on the departure of Welker to Denver, saying, "I'm just glad Wes Welker isn't there. I hated Wes Welker. I'm kidding ... kind of. Actually, I'm a huge fan of Wes Welker. He had historical success. That's some big shoes for (Amendola) to fill."

            Belichick will certainly be happy to see Revis out of the AFC East, although he will have to prepare for Revis when the Buccaneers visit Gillette Stadium in Week 3 of the NFL season. Still, the thought of no longer facing off against arguably the leagues’ best cornerback twice a season has to gratify Belichick.

NBA Awards Predictions 2013

MVP

LeBron should win his fourth MVP. (AP Image)

LeBron James- The main catalyst of Miami’s otherworldly 27-game win streak, James should earn his fourth NBA most valuable player award. James led the Heat to their best record in franchise history as Miami finished with the best overall record in the league. If his roughly 27 points per game were not enough to convince voters, then maybe his extraordinary feat of becoming the first player in league history to score 30 points and shoot 60 percent in six straight games will do the trick.

Defensive Player of the Year

Avery Bradley- The Boston Celtics' defense did not miss a beat, despite Rajon Rondo tearing his ACL, because of the defensive prowess of Bradley.  Bradley is by far the best on-ball defender in the NBA, wrecking havoc on every point guard in the league he goes up against. His impressive 1.2 steals per game also furthers his case for the league's best defender.

Rookie of the Year

Lillard shined in his rookie campaign. (Getty Images)

Damian Lillard- Portland's electrifying guard will likely get the unanimous vote for Rookie of the Year. Lillard helped a Blazers team that was expected to be horrific contend in the Western Conference for much of the season. He averaged over 19 points per game and has been stellar from behind the arc, knocking down the fifth most three pointers in the league.

Sixth Man of the Year

J.R. Smith- While Carmelo Anthony may be the Knicks' go-to scorer, Smith can certainly fill that void when his name is called. He averages a league best 17.8 points per game off the bench and nailed two game-winning buzzer-beaters.

Runner-Up: Jamaal Crawford- Crawford has had a sensational season, averaging 16.7 points per game, helping the Los Angeles Clippers win the Pacific Division.

Most Improved Player

Paul George- George has emerged as the Pacers best player with Danny Granger sidelined for most of the season. George made the Eastern Conference All-Star team and rightfully so, given his per-game averages of 17.5 points, 7.7 rebounds and 4.1 assists.

Elon's Impressive Season Ends in Loss to College of Charleston

The Elon Phoenix had arguably its best regular season is school history but tournament aspirations fell short in the SoCon semifinal against the College of Charleston Cougars. The Cougars led from start to finish as the Phoenix was never able to claim a lead or even tie the score at any point. The Cougars opened the game on an 11-0 run and coasted to a 25-19 halftime lead. The Cougars scored eight of the first 10 points in the second half and were able to build the lead to 12 points, 44-32, with 12:32 remaining in the contest. Elon fought back , though, and had the lead down to two points, the smallest margin in the entire game, with seven minutes to go, before the Cougars went on another 8-2 run. The Cougars were clutch from the free throw line in the final 30 seconds of the game, connecting on eight of their final ten attempts from the stripe to seal a 68-60 win and a berth to the Southern Conference Championship game.

            Senior guard Andrew Lawrence scored a team-high 19 points for the Cougars, hitting 7 of his 9 free throw attempts, while also draining two three-pointers. Junior forward Willis Hall recorded a double-double for the Cougars with 16 points and ten rebounds, while sophomore center Adjehi Baru posted 9 rebounds and scored 8 points, including four clutch free throws in the waning minutes of the game.

            The Phoenix offense could never get into rhythm after a rocky start to the contest. Elon scored just 2 points in the first seven minutes of the game and shot a woeful 29.6 percent from the field in the first half. The Phoenix struggled to shoot the ball in the second half as well as they finished the game shooting 39.6 percent from the field (21 for 53), including just 3 of 11 from behind the arc. Free throws were an issue for the Phoenix who made shot just 15 of 24 (62.5 percent) from the stripe, while the Cougars drilled 19 of their 23 free throw attempts.

            Junior and third all-team Southern Conference guard Jack Isenbarger was held scoreless on 0 of 6 shooting. Isenbarger was second on the team in scoring for the Phoenix (13.6 ppg) entering the contest but could never get anything going offensively. Junior forward Lucas Troutman scored a game-high 23 points for the Phoenix, while senior guard Josh Bonney scored 15 points in 16 minutes in his final game for the Phoenix.

            The College of Charleston Cougars, the third seed in the SoCon Tournament, will challenge the top seeded Davidson Wildcats for the conference championship tomorrow night at 7 p.m. on ESPN 2.

            The Elon Phoenix should feel proud after an impressive season, which included 21 wins (their most since joining Division 1 play), 13 conference victories and their second North Division Title in school history. The Phoenix have a great chance to repeat as North champions and make another deep run in the tournament with all five of their starters returning. Sophomore guard Austin Hamilton will also return for the Phoenix, who was sidelined for the season after he tore his ACL on January 14^th against Western Carolina. Hamilton started at point guard in his freshman season and was the teams’ starting point guard this year before going down with an injury. With so much talented returning, there is no reason not think the Elon Phoenix can be the best team in the Southern Conference next year and win the tournament to advance to what would be their first NCAA appearance in school history. Alas, tonight was a disappointing end to a fantastic season for the Phoenix and for now the loss will sting for Elon.

Elon Phoenix Fend Off UNCG Spartans; Set to Play Charleston in SoCon SemiFinals

ELON PHOENIX 68, UNCG SPARTANS 61

Junior forward Sebastian Koch spearheaded the Phoenix attack, scoring 15 points as Elon hung on to beat the UNCG Spartans in the SoCon quarterfinal. Junior forward Lucas Troutman added a double for the Phoenix, posting 14 points and corralling 10 rebounds in the victory.

                The win did not come easy for Elon, the #2 seed in the Southern Conference Tournament, but in March there are few stress free games. The game was tightly contested throughout as Elon’s biggest lead of the night was a mere 10 points. Although the 10^th seeded UNCG Spartans were always in striking distance, they only held one lead the entire game; a 19-17 advantage in the first half after junior forward Trevis Simpson drilled a three-pointer.

                The Phoenix’ strong start to the second half was critical. Elon led by just two at intermission but scored the first eight points of the half, including “and-one” layups by forwards Koch and Troutman to give the Phoenix some breathing room.  The Phoenix maintained this advantage for the majority of the second half, and then connected on 7-of-8 free throws in the waning moments of the game to secure the victory.

                The Elon Phoenix (21-10, 13-5) will play the Charleston Cougars (23-9, 14-4) in the SoCon semifinals. The Cougars, the # 3 seed in the Southern Conference Tournament, defeated the Western Carolina Catamounts in the SoCon quarterfinal. The Cougars big men dominated as junior forward Anthony Thomas had a team-high 18 points, while sophomore center Adjehi Baru scored 14 points and posted 13 rebounds.  Junior guard Trey Sumler scored a game 25 points in the loss for the 10^th seeded Catamounts.

Elsewhere in the SoCon Tournament

                Davidson throttled Georgia Southern, 86-59, in a contest that was essentially over by halftime.  The #1 seeded Davidson Wildcats used a balance attack to beat the #9 seeded Georgia Southern Eagles, as Nick Cochran scored 18 points (draining five three pointers in the process) for the Wildcats, while Tyler Kalinoski added 14 points, De’Mon Brooks scored 13, Jake Cohen posted 12 points and Chris Czerapowicz contributed 10 points. Davidson (24-7, 17-1) will play Appalachian State (15-15, 10-8) in the SoCon semifinals.

                Appalachian State cruised to victory over the Furman Paladins, 74-60. The Paladins, the 12^th seed in the tournament, were unable to pull off another upset as the Appalchian State Mountaineers dominated from start to finish. Appalchian State, the #4 seed in the tournament, shot 31 of 57 from the field, including 8 for 21 from behind the arc, to win and advance to the SoCon semifinal round.

Below is an updated bracket for the Southern Conference Tournament

	First Round Friday, March 8					Quarterfinals Saturday, March 9 ESPN3					Semifinals Sunday, March 10 ESPN3					Championship Game Monday, March 11 ESPN2
						1	Davidson	86
						9	Georgia Southern	59
	8	Wofford	44
	9	Georgia Southern	60
											1	Davidson	6:00 pm
										4	Appalachian St
						4	Appalachian St	74
						12	Furman	60
	5	Samford	51
	12	Furman	55
																		7:00 pm
						2	Elon	68
						10	UNC Greensboro	61
	7	Chattanooga	81
	10	UNC Greensboro	87
											2	Elon	8:30 pm
										3	College of Charleston
						3	College of Charleston	78
						6	Western Carolina	70
	6	Western Carolina	76
	11	Citadel	61

Southern Conference Tournament 2013: First Round Recap

The UNCG Spartans registered 55 second half points en route to their comeback win over the 7^th seeded Chattanooga Mocs in the first round of the SoCon Tourney. Senior guard Derrell Armstrong led the Spartans with 25 points and posted 8 rebounds, while SoCon leading scorer, Trevis Simpson, added 17 points for the Spartans in their 87-81 win. The Mocs led by 11 with 10 minutes to play but could not hold on against the 10^th seeded Spartans.

UNCG will now play the #2 seed, Elon University, in the SoCon quarterfinals.  Elon swept the season series, including the regular season finale on Senior Night at Alumni Gym, 80-66.

The first round of the SoCon Tourney featured two other lower seeded teams finishing victorious.  The #9 seeded Georgia Southern Eagles crushed the #8 seeded Wofford Terriers, 60-44. Georgia Southern will play the #1 seed, Davidson, in the SoCon quarterfinals.  The Eagles were the only Southern Conference team to beat Davidson in the regular season.

The #12 seeded Furman Paladins pulled off the upset of the day, defeating the #5 seeded Samford Bulldogs, 55-51. Furman now plays the #4 seed, Appalachian State in the SoCon quarterfinals. Appalachian State won the lone regular season meeting, 72-66.

Elsewhere in the SoCon Tournament, Western Carolina took care of business against Citadel, 76-61. The Catamounts, the 6 seed, cruised to victory behind junior guard Trey Sumler’s 27 points to beat the 11^th seeded Bulldogs.

Western Carolina will face off against College of Charleston, the # 3 seed in the SoCon Tournament.  This will likely be the best quarterfinal matchup, with the lone regular season meeting between the two clubs being a two point Charelston win, as senior guard Andrew Lawrence connected on two free throws with one second remaining to beat the Catamounts, 67-65, on February 20^th.

Below is an updated bracket for the Southern Conference Tournament.

	First Round Friday, March 8					Quarterfinals Saturday, March 9 ESPN3					Semifinals Sunday, March 10 ESPN3					Championship Game Monday, March 11 ESPN2
						1	Davidson	12:00 pm
						9	Georgia Southern
	8	Wofford	44
	9	Georgia Southern	60
													6:00 pm
						4	Appalachian St	2:30 pm
						12	Furman
	5	Samford	51
	12	Furman	55
																		7:00 pm
						2	Elon	6:00 pm
						10	UNC Greensboro
	7	Chattanooga	81
	10	UNC Greensboro	87
													8:30 pm
						3	College of Charleston	8:30 pm
						6	Western Carolina
	6	Western Carolina	76
	11	Citadel	61

Southern Conference 2012-2013 Year in Review: Awards and Previewing the SoCon Tournament

AWARDS:

1st Team All SoCon 

1)  Guard: Trey Sumler- Western Carolina

2)  Guard: Jack Isenbarger- Elon

3)  Forward: Trevis Simpson UNCG

4)  Forward: Lucas Troutman- Elon

5)  Center: Mike Groselle- Citadel

2nd Team All SoCon 

1) Guard: Karl Cochran- Wofford

2) Guard: Darrell Armstrong- UNCG

3) Forward: Z. Mason- Chattanooga

4) Forward: Nathan Healy- Appalachian State
5) Center: Jake Cohen- Davidson

3rd Team All SoCon 

1) Guard: Raijon Kelly- Samford

2) Guard: C.J. Reed- Georgia Southern

3) Forward: Jay Canty- Appalachian State

4) Forward: Ryley Beaumont- Elon

5) Center: Adjehi Baru- Charleston

Freshman All SoCon Team

1) Guard: Tanner Samson- Elon

2) Guard: Spencer Collins- Wofford

3) Forward: Gee McGhee- Chattanooga

4) Forward: Tim Williams- Samford
5) Center: Kendrec Ferrara- Furman

Player of the Year:

1) Lucas Troutman- Elon

2) Trevis Simpson- UNCG
3) Trey Sumler- Western Carolina

Freshman of the Year:

1) Tim Williams- Samford

2) Gee McGhee- Chattanooga
3) Spencer Collins- Wofford

Coach of the Year:

1)      Matt Matheny- Elon

Below is the 2013 Southern Conference Tournament Bracket

First Round Friday, March 8

Quarterfinals Saturday, March 9 ESPN3

Semifinals Sunday, March 10 ESPN3

Championship Game Monday, March 11 ESPN or ESPN2

1        Davidson

12:00 pm

8

Wofford

11:30 am

9

Georgia Southern

6:00 pm

4         Appalachian St

2:30 pm

5          Samford

2:00 pm

12           Furman

7:00 pm

2

Elon

6:00 pm

7

Chattanooga

6:00 pm

10

UNC Greensboro

8:30 pm

3       Charleston

8:30 pm

6

Western Carolina

8:30 pm

11

Citadel

Below are questions provided by John Roberts, author of Chattanooga Mocs blog, mocsmania.blospot.com, that I have answered to help preview the SoCon Tournament

1) Which team without a bye is the most dangerous? Why?

            I really do not like the chances of any team in this tournament without a bye because the conference is so top heavy with powerhouses Davidson, Elon and Charleston ruling the SoCon. Alas, March brings out the best in players and teams so a team without a bye could have a “Cinderella” like run in the SoCon Tournament.

             Call me crazy, but I actually think Chattanooga is the most dangerous team without a bye. Sure, Chattanooga got blown out on the last game of the season at Appalachian State, endings its hopes of getting a first round bye in the SoCon Tournament (if Chattanooga had won they would have finished in a four-way tie for second place in the North division with Samford, Western Carolina and Appalachian State and Chattanooga would have received the bye via the tiebreaker) as they finished fifth in the North with a subpar 8-10 conference record. But Chattanooga has won big games this season. The Mocs beat Western Carolina and Samford on the road this season and were able to knock off the North division champion Elon Phoenix at home. If Z. Mason plays very well, then maybe Chattanooga could make a surprise run in the tournament. I do not like the Mocs odds but crazy things can happen in a conference tournament.

2.      Which team with a bye is most likely to be eliminated first? Why?

            Appalachian State. The Mountaineers were the last team to secure a first-round bye, finishing with a pedestrian 10-8 conference record. Davidson, Elon and Charleston were all able to grab a bye with ease as they were the three most dominant teams in the conference all season long. Appalachian State will face the winner of the Samford versus Furman first round matchup and if Samford is able to take care of business and beat a struggling Furman squad, then Appalachian State could be in trouble in the quarterfinal round. Samford and Appalachian State faced off twice this year, with each contest being decided in the final minutes of the game as the two teams split the season series. Samford could knock off Appalachian State, especially if sophomore guard Raijon Kelly has a good game for the Bulldogs.

3) Which first round game is the most interesting? Why?

The Georgia Southern versus Wofford first round matchup intrigues me the most. Georgia Southern and Wofford finished with identical records overall and in conference play. Wofford swept the season series. Given that this is the #8 seed (Wofford) versus the #9 seed (Georgia Southern) matchup, I expect this to be the most entertaining first round game.

4) Which potential semifinal is the most interesting? Why?

 An Elon versus Charleston semifinal is a very intriguing matchup. Charleston beat Elon at Alumni Gym 56-54 in a tightly contested battle on December 1^st but things have changed immensely since then. After that loss, Elon ripped off 11 wins in its next 13 Southern Conference games to win the North Division Title. I doubt Elon (the #2 seed in the tournament) or Charleston (the #3 seed in the tournament) will lose in the quarterfinals, so it appears these two teams are headed for an intense rematch in the semifinal round.

5) Who do you think wins the SoCon Tournament? Why?

I believe Davidson will win the tournament, given their dominance in conference play. Elon poses the biggest threat to Davidson because the Phoenix has the best starting five in the Southern Conference. Not only does Elon possess the leagues’ best starting unit, they also have two of the best players in the Conference in junior guard Jack Isenbarger and junior forward Lucas Troutman. Elon proved it can hang with Davidson on Wednesday night, losing 69-63 in a contest that went down to the wire. Still, it is tough to pick against a Davidson team that went 17-1 in conference play and is currently riding a 14 game win streak, with its last loss coming on January 14^th.

6) What seed do you think the team you just picked to win the SoCon Tournament will get in the NCAA Tournament? Why?

 If Davidson is to go on to win the tournament, I think they will be a #13 seed in the NCAA Tournament, the seed it was last year in the March Madness tournament. Every couple of days ESPN analyst Joe Lunardi creates a mock bracket for the tournament in what he calls “bracketology”. The bracket assumes the current first place team in every conference will win its conference tournament to make the projections. In each of the last two brackets, Davidson has been a #13 seed. Davidson likely earned this seed with its “bracketbuster” win over Montana University a week ago. If Elon or Charleston wins the tournament, I would expect them to be a #14 seed in the NCAA Tournament. If by some miracle a team outside of Davidson, Elon or Charleston wins the Southern Conference tournament, I would predict them to earn a #15 seed.

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