A Masterful Return?

Tiger. He's recognized worldwide by one name. He's stood at the top of professional golf rankings for years. And, at long last, he’s back.

Following Tiger Woods’ fall from grace during the hyper-publicized revelation of his marital infidelity to former wife Elin Nordegren, he saw a sharp decline in his performance during the PGA tour. He was unable to notch a single tour victory in both 2009 and 2010, as the world witnessed golf’s former golden boy slice routine fairway shots and miss putt after putt after putt. Though he rebounded slightly in 2012 by winning three tour events, golf analysts and fans alike questioned whether or not Woods could recover from the scandal that not only tore apart his family but also rocked his professional career.

Woods releasing a statement admitting to extramarital relations shortly after
the public learned of his cheating scandal in late 2009.

However, though Tiger may have taken a bit of a hiatus, it seems as though he is back to his winning ways in 2013. Woods began the year by winning the Farmers Insurance Open in January, marking the seventh time he had won the event. In March, he won the WGC-Cadillac Championship, also for a seventh time. Two weeks later, Woods claimed his third victory by winning the Arnold Palmer Invitational for a record-tying eighth time. That win would eventually catapult Woods to the top of the world rankings for the first time in years. 

With all the pomp and circumstance surrounding Tiger’s suggested return to glory, he still has yet to end a drought that has plagued him since 2008: winning a major. That losing streak could come to an end this weekend as The 2013 Masters Tournament fast approaches. If Woods were to win The Masters, he would achieve his 15^th major win, placing him three wins behind the all-time major leader Jack Nicklaus.

Jack Nicklaus poses with Tiger Woods after Woods won the Memorial
Tournament in 2012.

To say the least, this year’s Masters is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated events Augusta National has seen in recent years. Whether or not you’ve turned your back on Tiger because of his cheating scandal, persisted as a stalwart supporter, or simply remained indifferent to his antics, there is no denying the fanfare that surrounds this year’s hunt for the green jacket.

Also playing on golf’s biggest stage are Rory McIlroy, the young star who some call the second coming of Tiger Woods, and Phil Mickelson, one of the most accomplished golfers currently on the tour. Those three superstars alone would make for an entertaining competition, but combine their presence with golfers like Steve Stricker, Lee Westwood, and Bubba Watson, who executed an incredible recovery shot from the woods on the 10^th hole en route to winning last year’s Masters, and this tournament is sure to deliver.

Bubba Watson in his green jacket shortly after winning The 2012 Masters

Even without Tiger Woods on the scene, The Masters would, without a doubt, still draw the immense following it always has. Augusta National is the crown jewel of professional golf. Players would still compete, fans would still watch, and one man would eventually don the heralded green jacket.

But there’s just something about the name Tiger Woods. Though now it carries the stigma of being associated with lying, unfaithfulness, and immorality, it also stands for a decorated champion. I don’t mean to imply that he should be forgiven, and that we as a fan base should turn a blind eye and focus on his performance on the course. Rather, I mean to stress that one of the most successful competitors of all time is on the verge of regaining his composure and chasing one of the most sought-after records in all of sports. That, in and of itself, makes The Masters worth watching whether you root for him or not (I’m personally in Phil Mickelson’s camp). It’s comparable to tennis greats Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal squaring off at Wimbledon or Magic Johnson and Larry Bird going at it in the NBA Finals in a classic Lakers v. Celtics matchup. When the absolute very best players in the world compete at the highest level, you’re cheating yourself by not paying attention to it.

Woods practicing for The 2013 Masters Tournament

I don’t know if Tiger Woods will win The 2013 Masters. But I know that when I tune in this weekend, I’ll be treated some of the most exciting and competitive play that golf has to offer. And if, just if, Tiger manages to secure a fifth green jacket and his first major since 2008, I want to be there to see it. 

This Is Madness

March comes in like a lion and out like a lamb, so goes the old adage. The college basketball world, however, would beg to differ. Known as “March Madness,” the yearly NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament starts its engines more than halfway through the month and continues to turn the action up a notch in the weeks following it, leading up to the championship game in early April.

Composed of 68 teams, this year’s field seems particularly unpredictable. Over the course of the past season, a variety of teams held the number one ranking (Indiana, Duke, Gonzaga, Michigan, and Louisville). Numerous others cycled throughout the top 10, like Syracuse which began the season ranked as high as 3 in the polls, but eventually plummeted as low as 20. Or Georgetown, which entered the season unranked and gradually ascended through the rankings, ultimately earning a 2 seed for the tournament. And let’s not forget that Kentucky, last year’s champion, didn’t even make the tournament this time around, opening the door for other teams to take advantage of its absence.

With such uncertainty about who will trounce who, which highly-seeded squad will suffer a debilitating upset, and which dark horse will ride its success deep into the Final Four, the question then becomes: who do you pencil in as this year’s champion? Look no further. I’ve got your answer, plus more on which teams will advance and which ones will flounder.

Sleepers

New Mexico- Maybe it’s hard to call a 3 seed a “sleeper” per se. But, that’s exactly what this New Mexico team is. Placed in the West Region with the likes of Gonzaga, Ohio State, Kansas State, and Wisconsin, this is one of the best Lobos teams in years. The winners of the Mountain West Conference tournament rarely take bad shots, and with 7-foot sophomore Alex Kirk in the mix, this team could spell disaster for a potential matchup with Ohio State in the Sweet Sixteen. Look for Lobos to surprise some people and even, gasp, win the entire region.

St. Louis- Who? What in the world is a Billiken? Only a team that’s 15-1 over its last 16 games. Coached by Rick Majerus since 2007, the Billikens’ leader took leave from the team last August and passed away from heart failure in December. Whether or not the team is playing in memory of Majerus, the Billikens have dominated the Atlantic 10 Conference, beating Butler three times and VCU twice, winning the Atlantic 10 title in the second meeting with the Rams. They may have a difficult draw in that they will, in all likelihood, play top-seeded Louisville. But in the event that the Cardinals make some mistakes, look for St. Louis to capitalize and pull the colossal upset. Who knows? Maybe by the end of this tournament, we won’t be asking ourselves what a Billiken is after all.

#21 Dwayne Evans lays it up against Butler in the Atlantic 10 Tournament.

Pittsburgh- I must confess that I am indeed a Pitt graduate. So you’re probably not surprised that I have them on this list. I may be a bit of a homer, but even from an objective standpoint I can spot an underseeded team when I see one. The Panthers’ body of work this season was fraught with inconsistency, with losses to Rutgers and Cincinnati but wins over Syracuse and Georgetown. Most importantly, they still managed to fight their way through the brutal Big East. With no stand-out stars on the team, Coach Jamie Dixon’s squad goes 10 players deep almost every game. With that kind of depth, not to mention 7-footer Steven Adams, the Panthers will give Gonzaga an early test in the second round and could reclaim a spot in the Sweet Sixteen and beyond. Don’t count them out.

VCU- The Rams are flat-out scary. Every team in the South Region should shudder at the chance of playing them. Hearkening back to two years ago when they made their first Final Four, the Rams have proven that they can win games in this tournament. And this year could prove to be no different. VCU is the most dangerous 5-seed, and Coach Shaka Smart motivates his team to wreak havoc on the mindsets of their opposition. They also rank 11^th in Division I scoring with 78.0 PPG, so every team that plays them has to up the ante on defense in order to send the Rams packing. Keep your eye on VCU, because they might have the best chance of any of my sleepers to make the deepest run.

VCU Coach Shaka Smart consistently teaches a brand of mentally and
physically intense play that his teams bring to the court.

Overrated

Gonzaga- On the surface, the Bulldogs are a compelling team. They dominated the West Coast Conference and the WCC Tournament. Two decent wins against Oklahoma State and Kansas State also gave their accomplishments more merit. But because they dropped two against Illinois and Butler, it’s easier to call the Zags the weakest 1 seed. With that said, WCC Player of the Year Kelly Olynyk is 7’0,” and you can’t teach height. Simply put, the big man can ball. He poses a serious threat to teams without strength and size- which is exactly why I see them losing to Pitt in the second round. Pitt is one of the toughest defensive teams in the country and has its own 7-footer in Steven Adams who, although physically weaker, can put a body on Olynyk and send the Bulldogs home early.

Gonzaga's 7'0" Kelly Olynyk will be tough to stop without tough defense.

Michigan- The Wolverines’ attempt to channel the talent and swagger of the original Fab Five seemed to pay dividends early in the season as they won 16 straight. But as Big 10 play began, teams like Indiana and Ohio State took advantage of Michigan’s subpar post play. A bad late-season loss to conference basement-dweller Penn State only made matters worse. Moreover, the Wolverines’ draw in the South Region isn’t the easiest road to Atlanta. In the second round, they’re likely to play an extremely dangerous VCU team, and even if they can surmount that obstacle, they would still have the Jayhawks in their way. This team has what it takes to make a deep tourney run, but I don’t see them pulling together enough consistency to perform at a clutch level.

Duke- Duke may be one, if not the, most hated team in contemporary College Basketball. But that’s not why they’re on this list. (I love Dick Vitale, but the man probably has Fatheads of JJ Redick and Christian Laettner in his room…that’s a problem). The Blue Devils proved yet again that they are capable of handling the pressure of being, well, Duke. Their out of conference schedule, which included wins against Louisville, Ohio State, and VCU, was evidence enough. However, the ACC was relatively weak this year, and two losses to Maryland and one to Virginia exposed Duke a bit. Don’t get me wrong. senior forward Mason Plumlee is a beast on the boards, but teams like Louisville, Michigan State, and St. Louis could make escaping the Midwest Region extremely difficult.

Final Four

Louisville- As one of the best defensive teams in the nation, the Cardinals have proven that they belong among the college basketball elite. Though Rick Pitino’s team has five losses, none of them are what I would classify as bad. More importantly, Louisville hasn’t dropped a game since the 5-overtime thriller to Notre Dame on February 9, rattling off 10 straight victories en route to winning the Big East Tournament. Led by senior guard Peyton Siva, the Big East Tournament MVP, the Cardinals have emerged as a favorite to win the NCAA Championship during a tournament that didn’t appear to have a clear-cut victor. They’ll definitely face a challenge if St. Louis or Michigan State squares off against them, but I think this team has what it takes to punch its ticket to the Final Four and beyond.

The Cardinals have already won the 2013 Big East Tournament. Could they go all the way
and win the big dance too?

Ohio State- The Buckeyes are an interesting team. If you asked me halfway through the season if I thought they could make a championship run, I would have shaken my head. But when it comes down to tournament time, the question becomes, “What have you done for me lately?” Well, Ohio State has done more than enough. With eight straight wins that include two victories over Michigan St. and one each over Indiana and Wisconsin (the latter resulting in winning the Big 10 Tournament), Thad Matta’s team is set to make a deep run through the West Region and even further. With junior guard Deshaun Thomas scoring buckets left and right, the Buckeyes are a dangerous team, and I wouldn’t be surprised if they went all the way.

Indiana- The preseason No. 1 stood atop the rankings for six weeks before its first loss to a solid Butler team. They did work within the Big 10, earning two wins each against tough Michigan and Michigan St. teams. Junior guard Victor Oladipo (First Team All-American) gives the Hoosiers an explosive burst of athleticism and has the capability to wear down any team in the league. With teammate Cody Zeller by his side, the two seem like one of the best dynamic duos the league can offer. But, and there’s always a “but,” the Hoosiers were exposed twice by a dangerous Wisconsin team,  most recently allowing the Badgers too many three-point opportunities. If Indiana can’t consistently play to its strengths in the East Region, Miami (FL) will definitely advance, but I have faith in the Hoosiers and their star power. Look for them to make an appearance in Atlanta.

Indiana's superstar Victor Oladipo drives to the basket against Michigan St.

Georgetown- The Hoyas started out slow, absent from the preseason rankings. But a mid-season push combined with the emergence of Otto Porter Jr., the unanimous Big East Player of the Year, elevated the team to new heights. The 6’8” sophomore led Georgetown to 11 straight wins in the grind-it-out Big East, a feat in and of itself. They may have stumbled against Syracuse in the Big East Tournament, but if the team is poised enough, they can definitely make a deep run in the South Region and compete against squads like Florida and Kansas. Look for the Hoyas to surprise some people when they end up in Atlanta.

2013 CHAMPION: Louisville Cardinals- I just don't see any other way around it. These guys have a tremendous amount of talent on both sides of the ball and can ramp up the tempo of the game so quickly. They'll be challenged numerous times by Michigan State, Ohio St. and Indiana, but with superior guard play, sound defense, and efficient teamwork they'll be cutting down the nets in Atlanta. 

- - - - - - - - - - - - -

Ready to join the madness? Visit ESPN.com to fill out your own interactive bracket or click here to print one for yourself. 

To Dunk Or Not to Dunk?

The year was 1976. The afro measured nearly a foot in height. And a man by the name of Julius Erving stood just beyond half-court, poised to rewrite the book on basketball etiquette. The Denver crowd anxiously anticipated what spectacle “Dr. J” would treat them to. He held the ball, took a deep breath, and began sprinting down the court. At the last second, Erving leaped from the foul line and soared towards the hoop, right arm outstretched. Cameras snapped photos furiously, capturing the iconic image just before he sent the ball careening through the cylinder. The doctor was in.  

When Julius Erving won the dunk contest in 1976, the competition was governed solely by ABA rules. Only years later in 1984 (after the merger of the NBA and ABA) would the Slam Dunk Contest be reinstated. Each year since then (with the exception of the 1998-1999 seasons), the NBA has hosted the Slam Dunk Contest as a part of its annual All-Star Game Weekend. The league brings together some of the most athletic, high flying players in the game, each with one mission: throw down the most incredible, preposterous, jaw-dropping, absurd, (insert your own descriptive adjective here) line of dunks, en route to being crowned the champion.

Julius Erving's famous '76 foul-line dunk

A few weeks ago, Terrance Ross of the Toronto Raptors won the 2013 Sprite Slam Dunk Contest following a final round dunk in which Ross jumped over a ball boy, threaded the ball between his legs, and threw down an emphatic slam. Ross was joined in the contest by James White, Gerald Green, Eric Bledsoe, Kenneth Faried, and Jeremy Evans. You might be quick to notice a name notoriously absent from that list: LeBron James.

Over the course of his stellar decade-long career, James has declined to participate in the Slam Dunk Contest each and every year. According to Yahoo Sports, he’s even gone on record stating to FOX Sports Florida that "It's over with. I'm getting too old for that. ... There were times when I wanted to do it. But I came into All-Star Weekend a few times banged up and I didn't want to risk further injury.”

On the surface, King James’ reasoning holds water. A professional athlete forgoing participation in an event extracurricular to a scheduled regular season or playoff game because of risk of injury is understandable. But James’ claim that he’s become too old to throw down a few dunks? Well, that’s flat-out befuddling.

LeBron James demonstrating his dominant dunking ability.

LeBron is 28 years old, and he regularly performs acrobatic in-game dunks, often times off a sky-high alley-oop from his partner-in-crime Dwyane Wade. He’s even begun throwing down a few entertaining pre-game dunks to satiate the fans’ appetites, but the Slam Dunk Contest is the real arena for showing off dunking prowess.

As far as age goes, Dr. J. threw down the historic foul line slam at age 26, and Michael Jordan won the 1987 and 1988 contests at 24 and 25. So if LeBron, a man who is playing the best basketball of his career, is trying to convince fans and media that he’s too old, he’d better enroll in a persuasive speech class. LeBron James is one of the most athletically gifted player in the NBA, and he owes it to his fans, teammates, other players, and the league to participate in the Slam Dunk Contest.

Michael Jordan (left) and Julius Erving (right) performing the famous
foul-line dunk.

I’m not the only basketball fan who believes James needs to man up and show us a windmill or two. ESPN’s First Take host and all-pro LeBron James critic Skip Bayless consistently tweeted the hashtag #GetLeBronToDunk prior to and following the 2013 All-Star Weekend, impelling the star Heat forward to participate. Yet perhaps one of the biggest proponents for James to dunk was the great Magic Johnson. Last Friday, Johnson went on the record on ESPN’s “Kia NBA Countdown” when he said that he would pay $1 million to James—or anyone else who could beat him in the dunk contest.

"Please, LeBron, get in the dunk contest. I'm going to put up a million dollars," Johnson entreated. "A million dollars from Magic to LeBron. Please get in the dunk contest. I go every year. I want to see you out there." When the best point guard to ever play the game thinks you need to enter the dunk contest, you’d better lace up the Air Jordan’s…er…Air LeBron’s (?) and take it to the hole.

Surprisingly, James actually told ESPN’s Lisa Salters, “I don’t have a response yet” and that he would get back to Magic Johnson. Whatever path he chooses, LeBron should feel obligated to uphold the legacy that Julius Erving instated at the ’76 ABA Slam Dunk Contest. Erving worked diligently to popularize the dunk and ensured that the NBA legalized the move, creating an entirely new method of play above the rim. For LeBron to never enter the dunk contest would qualify as a sin against the basketball bible.

Fans go wild for LeBron James. Imagine if he entered the dunk contest...

As one of the most scrutinized athletes in professional sports, James could even stand to benefit from the dunk contest. Though I’ve finally grown to like, even respect, LeBron, numerous NBA fans (a majority of them located in northeast Ohio) still resent the former Cavalier for his decision to fly south to Miami, and many others chastise him for lacking the MJ-esque clutch and taking so long to win a championship. Perhaps if he gave the fans what they wanted, he’d regain even a glimmer of respect from them.

When the 2014 All-Star Weekend rolls around next year, maybe James will finally change his tune. Whether Magic's offer persuades him or the fans' pressure finally gets to him, the opportunity to see LeBron in the dunk contest wold be a long time coming. So let’s go, King James. Pick up that scepter. Polish that crown. And take your talents to the hoop. 

Unlocked

For months, fans of the National Hockey League have been deprived of the game they love because of a painstaking lockout. They’ve had to turn elsewhere for the entertainment that previously glued them to their televisions at the onset of past NHL seasons. In need of big hits? The NFL would have been your best bet, taking the place of Zdeno Chara slamming Marian Hossa into the boards. Want some overtime to quench that thirst for extra minutes? You’d probably have to watch an NBA game instead to find that game-winning shot, rather than sitting awe-struck as Steven Stamkos dekes two defenders and flips the puck over Martin Brodeur’s left shoulder and into the net just before the horn sounds. And what about that sought-after hat trick? Professional soccer (I can hear your groans now, hockey fans) would have been most likely to provide as there would have been no Evgeni Malkin to light the lamp three times and warrant the downpour of headgear up and down the ice.

However, after weeks of desperately pleading with the hockey gods for a return to the rink, fans have finally been granted their wish. Approximately one week ago on January 6, 2013, Commissioner Gary Bettman and Donald Fehr, NHL Players Association Executive Director, reached a tentative agreement on a new collective bargaining agreement (CBA) that would likely end the lockout. On the following Saturday, the league and its players agreed to sign a memorandum of understanding, allowing the NHL to release the new schedule and, more importantly, end the 113-day hockey hiatus.

NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman (left) and NHLPA Executive Director Donald  Fehr (right)
squared off many times during the lockout.

With a new CBA in place, the deal is set for 10 years, but either side can opt out of it after eight, giving a fresh guarantee to at least a few more years of uninterrupted hockey. In total, 720 games will be played over a 99-day regular season, which will end on April 27. The playoffs will subsequently begin on April 30, and the latest date the Stanley Cup Finals can end is June 28.

Okay, okay. Enough of that. You can rejoice now.

“Hurrah!”

“Praise Thor!”

“Phew, I don’t know what I would have done if I had to watch one more dunk on Sportscenter’s Top 10 Plays!”

Whatever method of jubilation you choose, there is no denying the fact that an end to the lockout has brought immense joy to owners, players, and fans alike. No longer do owners have to worry about lost revenues from nonexistent ticket and merchandise sales. No longer do players have to  play internationally in European leagues. And no longer must hockey sweaters lay dormant, gathering dust in your closets, begging to see the light of day.

Now, fans can proudly sport the names of the favorite players as they walk down the street and again cast furtive, disrespectful glances at someone else wearing a rival team’s jersey. There’s nothing better than watching a Sidney Crosby fan’s hate-filled eyes bore into the soul of a Claude Giroux supporter, who gazes back with equal enmity. A hockey rivalry is a special thing.

And then there’s the atmosphere. Say what you will about the scale and enormity of an NFL game or the relaxed, summer scene of Major League Baseball. There are few superior venues to watch sporting events than an NHL arena, and with the resurrection of the 2013 season, fans can again bask in the glory of experiencing all the electricity and excitement of a professional hockey game.

CONSOL Energy Center, home ice of the Pittsburgh Penguins, is one of the loudest
and most exciting venues in the NHL.

There’s just something about the moment when that 10-second timer appears on the Jumbotron and counts down until the players explode out of the locker room and onto the ice, amidst the symphony of pump-up music and a chorus of screaming enthusiasts (fans and opposing fans alike). Bright lights expel the team’s logo onto the ice and circulate it around the rink as the players do one more last minute skate around before the singing of the National Anthem (“America the Beautiful” or “O Canada”) and the eventual puck drop, when the crowd settles down just a bit, until the next frenzied burst of action.

At the heart of this vibrant and exhilarating environment, the actual 2013 NHL storylines are sure to steal the show and keep the hockey world buzzing throughout the coming months. Some of the more riveting scenarios this season include a number of players signing with new teams.

Former Columbus Blue Jackets forward Rick Nash will be donning the blue and white of the New York Rangers, adding another star to an already talented lineup of Marian Gaborik, Ryan Callahan,  and goalkeeping phenom Henrik Lundqvist . And what about Zach Parise leaving the New Jersey Devils and joining forces with defenseman Ryan Suter, formerly of the Nashville Predators, to play for the Minnesota Wild? Their new-found alliance could pay dividends for a team that finished the previous season 12^th in the Western Conference. Jordan Staal also abstained from signing with the Pittsburgh Penguins again, instead choosing to join his brother Eric on the Hurricanes, giving hope to Carolina faithful that this sibling duo, combined with newcomer Alexander Semin and longtime goaltender Cam Ward, can drastically improve their team’s success. And last, but most certainly not least, will perennial all-star Sidney Crosby remain free from concussion-like symptoms, finish the truncated season, and lead the Penguins deep into the playoffs? Only time will tell.

Jordan Staal wearing new colors soon after leaving the Penguins
and signing with the Hurricanes.

But at least there is time. There is time again for owners to sell tickets, for players to lace up their skates, for fans to cheer (or jeer) at goal after goal after goal. And if there is one positive aspect to mull over as this whole ordeal comes to an end, perhaps it is that the lockout compels us to remember why so many impassioned people clamored for the return of the National Hockey League. It reminds us why we love this game, why we need this game, and why we never want to let it go.

The Streak Continues

On August 8th the Pittsburgh Pirates owned a record of 63-47. 16 games over .500. Second place in the National League Central, only 2 ½ games back from the Cincinnati Reds. Star outfielder Andrew McCutchen was leading the league in the race for the batting title and Most Valuable Player. Pirates fans couldn't help but begin to believe that the electricity surrounding their beloved team would finally break the dastardly curse of 19 straight losing seasons and book a trip to the postseason. How greedy of us.

The Pirates needed only to win 19 more games to achieve a winning record. Instead, they reverted to the pathetic losers of yesteryear and proceeded to lose 36 games. On September 28th the Pirates were mathematically eliminated from climbing the Great Wall of Winners by losing 1-0 to none other than the Reds. They finished the season a disappointingly close 79-83, their best record since 1992. If only that record could reflect how well the team played for three-quarters of the season.

The team treated its fans to a roller coaster ride of a season. The months of April and May started out slow. The Bucs were up and down throughout most of the spring but finished out the month of May with a 25-25 record. Fans remained skeptical. June and July sent Pirates faithful into hysteria. Players began harnessing the power of Zoltan. Drawing inspiration from the cult film Dude, Where’s My Car? the team began making a “Z” with their hands when they got a hit to imitate an iconic scene from the movie Gradually fans embraced the Zoltan too, even designing shirts and posters that displayed the “Z.” The whirlwind of hype and hope that surrounded the team gave the baseball world a feeling that the woeful Pittsburgh team would finally do something special.

Pirates catcher Rod Barajas popularizing the Zoltan

And then August decided to rear its ugly head. Though the pitching rotation had slowed substantially (James McDonald in particular), the Pirates had managed to string together enough wins to compete for one of the NL Wild Card spots. Yet suddenly, as mysteriously as their meteoric rise through the baseball ranks had begun, it deteriorated. Strikeouts, strikeouts everywhere. ERAs that ballooned out of control. Relievers that offered as much relief as Tylenol would for a root canal. Did I mention that they were losing?

Not only was the team doing poorly, Andrew McCutchen, their hero, their savior, slipped into a terrible slump. On August 17 his batting average hit .360. It would not eclipse that mark the rest of the season. Though he still maintained his position of one of the MLB’s best players, his average steadily declined as Cutch struck out more and more. Pirates fans whose hopes of a winning season were dwindling now saw their aspirations of an MVP candidate going down the drain as well. McCutchen would finish out the season with a .327 average, nine points behind Buster Posey of the San Francisco Giants.

Even Pirates center fielder Andrew McCutchen was unable to escape his
team's late season slump.

The Pirates’ collapse begs inquiry. How could one of the hottest teams in professional baseball, on the verge of salvaging 19 years of losing, possibly take such a titanic plunge into the depths of failure? Many of the most renowned baseball analysts will cut to the root of the matter by supplying facts and statistics. “McCutchen’s swing is off,” one might suggest. “The right guys aren't in the rotation right now,” says another. “Alvarez should have batted fifth, not sixth.”

The critics can make those types of arguments all day, and maybe some of them were right, but put simply, the Pirates remembered that they were the Pirates. The team wasn't used to winning seven to ten games in a row like the Yankees or the Rangers. What they were used to was losing. Late in the season when they succumbed to five or six game losing streaks more frequently, they fell into the trap of not believing in themselves. Whether or not the solid coaching or the faith of the players faltered, the results on the field did not mirror their successful playing style earlier in the season, and analysts and fans everywhere took notice.

Personally, I turn to social media outlets like Twitter and Facebook for information about popular baseball opinions amongst fans. When the Pirates were winning, fans came out of the woodwork, praising their team for accomplishing what most thought impossible. Some of the more optimistic ones even championed them as “World Series bound.” Naivety at its finest. Yet when August came around, these fans were nowhere to be heard, didn’t even show up at their hearings to eat crow. First things first, Pirates fans: we don’t have to right to talk smack until our team actually finishes over .500 by for the first time in almost as many years as I’ve been on this earth.

If any bright spot can be found in the nightmarish conclusion to the Pirates' season, it comes in the form of the talent that is currently on the team. As of now, the Bucs haven’t lost any major players to other teams. McCutchen will of course still headline the ball club as the juggernaut all-star. Other notable returning offensive players include Neil Walker, Garrett Jones, Pedro Alvarez, and Michael McKenry. The pitching staff will also return ace A.J. Burnett, closer Joel Hanrahan, and other contributors James McDonald and Wandy Rodriguez. With the core of the team returning, they have the advantage of understanding what winning feels like and can take the necessary steps to improve in order to sustain that winning deep into September.

From left to right: Andrew McCutchen, Neil Walker, and Garrett Jones

For the more symbolic optimists out there, they can turn to the number of consecutive losing seasons suffered by the Pirates: 20.  If they lost one more, it would bring their grand total to (you guessed it, mathletes) 21, which is coincidentally the number worn by arguably the greatest Pirate ever, Roberto Clemente. A member of the 3000 Hit Club, Clemente was killed flying a relief mission to Nicaragua in 1972, but managed to achieve exactly 3000 hits before doing so. I don’t usually look to “signs” to indicate how a situation will play out, but if there was any season where the possibility of breaking the curse would seem the strongest, 2013 is a strong candidate. To associate the number 21 with the longest losing streak in professional sports would quite simply sully the legacy Clemente cemented in Pittsburgh.

So next year around this time, take a look at the National League standings on ESPN.com. Note the small “z” next to the Pirates that indicates “Clinched Playoff Berth.” Observe how many points over .500 the team is. October baseball will return, Pirates fans. Sooner, rather than later.

Just a Dream

Clyde Drexler takes the ball out by passing it to Magic Johnson. Johnson dribbles up the court with all the swagger and poise only the best point guard of all time could muster. He threads the ball under his legs quickly leaving one defender in the dust. He turns on the speed at half court, looks right, but slings the ball around his back to the left resulting in another seamless fakeout. He swiftly dishes the ball to the hulking Charles Barkley. Barkley backs down his defender, a man likely regretting the decision to guard the behemoth power forward. Barkley spots a teammate near the three-point line in the corner and passes to Chris Mullin. Mullin pump fakes once, sending his defender into the stratosphere. All the while, the incomparable Michael Jordan streaks down the middle of the court. Mullin sees an opportunity too good to be true. He hurls the ball towards Jordan just as he lifts off from near the foul line. His Airness catches it in midair, with his trademark tongue drooping from his mouth, and slams the ball through the hoop with one hand. MJ lands like a cat and turns up the court with a confident smirk, sending the crowd into immediate hysteria.

They were an unstoppable force. A group of 12 all-stars who assembled together to create the most legendary team in all of basketball history. So storied was the United States 1992 men’s Olympic squad that they earned the nickname “Dream Team.” They were the ultimate package, the best players on the planet, on one team.

Headlining the team was of course Michael Jordan, widely regarded as the best player of all time. The rest of the team was comprised of 10 NBA players that included: Scottie Pippen, Karl Malone, John Stockton, David Robinson, Larry Bird, Patrick Ewing, Clyde Drexler, Chris Mullin, Charles Barkley, and last but not least, Earvin “Magic” Johnson. Christian Laettner of Duke University was also selected to the team, the lone collegiate member with no professional experience.

Top row from left: Charles Barkley, Patrick Ewing, and Karl Malone
Bottom row from left:  Magic Johnson and Michael Jordan

Take one look at the aforementioned team, take a step back for a second, and realize the sheer amount of talent. Every single one of the players was elected to the NBA Hall of Fame (with the exception of Christian Laettner). Also consider the fact that the Dream Team didn’t just beat the other teams to win the 1992 gold medal at Barcelona, they demolished them by an average deficit of nearly 44 points. It just didn’t seem fair. The closest game played by the team took place during the gold medal match when the United States won by a staggering 32 points with a score of 117-85.

Could another team ever even come close to equaling or surpassing such a force? For years, few sports analysts or professional athletes thought it possible, yet the 2012 U.S. Olympic men’s team had other plans, a rubric designed to supplant the Dream Team as the best team of all time. Led by LeBron James, whom most analysts regard as the current best player in the world, the team was also composed of numerous other talented athletes. The 11 others members of the team included: Kobe Bryant, Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook, James Harden, Carmelo Anthony, Tyson Chandler, Deron Williams, Andre Iguodala, Kevin Love, Chris Paul, and rookie Anthony Davis.

With such a gifted roster, it becomes more reasonable to understand how some of the 2012 team rationalized that they could beat the Dream Team. Their perfect 6-0 performance en route to winning the gold medal in the London Olympics lends itself even further to that idea. Although their margin of victory of 32.1 points was lower than the Dream Team’s 43.8 points, the 2012 team managed to set a number of records of its own. During a game against Nigeria the team scored an Olympic record 156 points, shattering the old record of 138 set by Brazil in 1988. The team also set U.S. records for three-pointers (29), field goals (59), field goal percentage (71%), and margin of victory (83 pts). Carmelo Anthony even set a U.S. single game record by scoring 37 points in the game.

The 2012 U.S. Men's Olympic Basketball Team touting their gold medals

Though that dominating performance showcased just how good the team could be, they were not truly tested until later games. They barely edged Lithuania by five points in a 99-94 victory. The gold medal match also offered a thrilling battle against Spain in which the U.S. won narrowly 107-100. Many critics will jump at the chance to point out how close these games were when juxtaposing the 2012 team with the Dream Team. While it's true that the Dream Team’s margin of victory was higher and they didn’t really experience any close games like the 2012 team, the level of competition in 1992 may have been lower when compared to present-day international talent. For instance, in 1992 the U.S. team faced Croatia- a squad with only two NBA players- in the final and beat them by 32. In contrast, the 2012 U.S. team’s closer seven-point victory is made more understandable given that seven NBA players were on Spain’s team.

With all the evidence finally assembled, perhaps a just decision can finally be reached as to which American team would come out on top. As far as player-by-player comparison goes, clearly the best player on the court would be Michael Jordan. Joining Jordan on the starting roster would likely be Magic Johnson, Patrick Ewing, Charles Barkley, and Larry Bird. The 2012 team’s expected lineup would probably consist of LeBron James, Kevin Durant, Chris Paul, Kobe Bryant, and Tyson Chandler.

One of the most obvious points of comparison is the 2012 team’s lack of a star center. Though talented, Tyson Chandler simply wouldn’t be able to keep up with Patrick Ewing or David Robinson for that matter. The Dream Team would have to get the nod in that category. As far as the rest of the team goes, the point guard battle would in all likelihood be won by Magic Johnson and John Stockton, though the trio of Chris Paul, Deron Williams, and Russell Westbrook would give them a run for their money. LeBron would most definitely make an impact as the best player for his team, and the aging Kobe Bryant would yet again turn back time and lend a hand with his veteran leadership and scoring ability.

Pictured from top to bottom: the 1992 team and the 2012 team. Note: Blake Griffin (No. 14)
did not participate due to injury and was replaced by Anthony Davis (not pictured).

In the end though, it’s difficult to imagine the 2012 contenders dethroning the Dream Team. Although a number of current players will surely win more championships, set more records, and eventually end up in the Hall of Fame, the odds of them conquering the 1992 team just seem unlikely. But perhaps likelihood of victory isn't the real issue; instead, maybe what basketball scholars and contemporary analysts should realize is that the Dream Team blazed the trail for future American Olympic teams. The current group of players, LeBron and Kobe included, have learned from that team, taken pages from their book and created their own separate legacy. When basketball critics of the future look back on the accomplishments of both teams, one aspect of comparison will be perfectly clear: both squads represented their decade's pinnacle of basketball success, but what the Dream Team achieved is something so special and unprecedented that it can never be duplicated.

The Fall of Joe Paterno

He had more Division 1-A College Football wins than any other coach. He led the Penn State Nitanny Lions to two national championships. He stood as an icon for the NCAA for decades and cemented such a storied legacy within the university that he was even memorialized as a statue in front of Beaver Stadium to remind those of his accomplishments and contributions… until now.

Amidst one of the most shocking and repulsive scandals in the history of collegiate or professional sports, Joe Paterno witnessed the reputation he had crafted for himself and his football program collapse. The cracks in Paterno’s armor became ever more prevalent as a myriad of child sexual abuse allegations were levied against former defensive coordinator Jerry Sandusky over the past year. Sandusky was eventually found guilty on 45 of 48 counts and will likely be sentenced to life in prison later this year.

Jerry Sandusky and Joe Paterno

Some may not be able to connect the dots as to how Paterno could possibly be involved in such a scandal, an affair so damning that it resulted in a $60 million fine, a four-year football postseason ban, reduction of football scholarships, a vacation of all wins dating back to 1998, and the dismantling of the famed statue of the coach. Various analysts, former players, and fans have voiced their opinions about how Paterno’s involvement in the scandal should have been handled. They bickered back and forth, some defending Paterno and others harshly condemning him.

Regardless of your own personal sentiments in the matter, facts have recently been unearthed that reveal the steps taken by Paterno, and other members of the Penn State administration, to impede the process of justice for the victims abused by Sandusky. The investigation took the form of a scathing documentation assembled by an investigative council led by former FBI director Louis Freeh. The results of the report stated that Paterno, suspended athletic director Tim Curley, former university president Graham Spanier, and former vice president Gary Schultz failed to protect against sexual abuse being committed by Jerry Sandusky for over a decade, thereby enabling him to remain in contact with young boys, a number of whom came forward as additional victims.

Needless to say, the entire ordeal is one of the most unfortunate incidents ever encountered by the sports world. Yet even more mind-boggling to me is the fact that a multitude of Penn State supporters are still standing behind Paterno despite the evidence that he and three other men directly impeded law enforcement from descending on Sandusky.

Let me get something out into the open before I continue: Joe Paterno was one of the best coaches of all time. Prior to the Sandusky scandal, his name was one of the most revered throughout all of collegiate athletics. However, that same honor and respect that Paterno garnered will now wane, and deservedly so. But how can even the most dedicated Penn State fan stand up for a man responsible for covering up such a heinous crime?

From what I can gather right now, the large majority of the pro-Paterno audience is arguing that the Sandusky affair was not football-related. And I agree... to a point. Concerning the sanctions imposed against Penn State, I'd say most of them are warranted. I don't approve of the bowl ban for the next four years nor do I condone the limiting and rescinding of athletic scholarships. I can't see where the NCAA derived that logic. Punishing the players and coaches present on the team that weren't involved to any degree just seems wrong.

Before: Joe Paterno's statue at Beaver Stadium

On the other hand, though the $60 million fine, vacation of wins, and removal of Paterno's statue  are  extremely harsh measures, their degree of intensity runs parallel with the unprecedented nature of the violations incurred at Penn State.  Given that this is likely the most serious collegiate athletics scandal ever, the NCAA used what resources were at its disposal to create what they believed was a fitting punishment. Since nothing of this nature has ever taken place, many people's natural reactions are sure to be shock, outrage, and disappointment. Those emotions are certainly understandable, but fans  who back Paterno even now are doing so in incredibly poor taste.

After: Joe Paterno's statue removed

I'm not suggesting that they completely abandon their admiration for Paterno but rather scale it back to a semi-reasonable level. Examples of such overly supportive behavior can be found on Twitter, Facebook, and other social media sites. People clamor about why the statue should stay, and that removing it directly infringes upon Penn State's legacy. What legacy? The legacy that has now been tarnished by the blatant cover-up of systematic child rape? Displaying the statue of the man who, with a few others, had the power to bring Sandusky to justice would have been a terribly inconsiderate move for Penn State, and, most importantly, acted as a direct affront to the victims.

I applaud Penn State for removing the statue from its position near the stadium and placing it in private storage. I'm sure it was a difficult decision to make, but it simply had to be done. This entire scandal is bigger than football, and it's also bigger than Penn State. With that said, action had to be taken to make an example out of those responsible for the mishandling of Sandusky's behavior. As stated earlier, I most certainly disagree with some of the sanctions against the university and believe they punish people who had no involvement in the affair. Regardless, I believe the rest of the action taken against Penn State is appropriate and rewrites the NCAA rulebook as to how to deal with situations that approach such gravity.

Joe Paterno's dramatic fall from grace will inevitably be looked upon as one of the most unsettling demises in the history of sports. The man was looked upon as a god at Penn State, a being who could do no wrong, who epitomized an incomparable moral integrity. And that's what makes this entire thing all the more shocking. No one expected it from Paterno. He had been around for too long and accomplished too much for the university. The reputation that he carved into Happy Valley is now tainted with the dark mark of covering up Sandusky's abuse. I understand that hero worship in the form of athletes often results in following them blindly and pushing aside their shortcomings, but supporting Paterno in this plight is a crude and immature way of dealing such a hideous chain of events.