SoCal Ramblings 12/16/06
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by user The Beast
I've been debating for some time now about whether to actually start a weekly opinion. Well, here it, an opinion dedicated to sports in Southern California, from Los Angeles to Anaheim to San Diego.
10. Its hockey season, yet nobody cares. The Anaheim Ducks are tops in the league, but nobody even cares here. Yes, fans come to all the games at the Honda Center, but its not the hot topic in the papers or on T.V.
9. USC has a basketball team. The Trojans are a team to contend with. Several frontline porspects have already signed with the Trojans, O.J. Mayo and Devon Jefferson. Brandon Jennings and Malik Story (2008) have already given verbals.
8. UCLA has an even better basketball team. The Bruins continue their strong play led by coach Ben Howland. Their defense makes them consistant every game. If their defense keeps up, which I'm sure it will, don't be surprised to see the Bruins dancing come March.
7. USC will be the Preseason #1 next year. Many draft elgiable juniors have already told Head Coach Pete Carroll that they will return for their seinor seasons. The only one left is Dwayne Jarrett. Even if Jarrett leaves, the Trojans are plenty deep ar receiver. All-Americans Sam Baker, Keith Rivers, and Lawrence Jackson will all be returning.
6. The Dodgers can win the World Series this year. Ya, as an Angel fan it's hard to admit, but the Boys in Blue have a real good shot this year. General Manager Ned Coletti has made some brilliant moves this offseason, by getting Jason Schmidt, Luis Gonzales, Randy Wolfe, and Mike Lieberthal. The signing of Juan Pierre was bad, just because of the money. However, Pierre will still help. The Dodgers have a solid mix a veterans and young players.
5. Allen Iverson isn't going to the Clippers. Despite rumors, the Clippers refuse to include Shaun Livingston, averaging 8.2 points per game, in a deal for Iverson. Getting Iverson could really help the Clips this year, but won't in the future.
4. Many people are complaining about the California state championship games. Oaks Christian led by Jimmy Clausen won't be able to play northern division powerhouse Concord de la Salle. The state of California lacks a playoff system and simply has a selection committee determine the top team from the south and the top team from the north. They have a Division 1 champion, a Division 2 champion, and a Division 3 champion. Oaks Christian plays in Division 3 while De La Salle plays in Division1.
3. Frank Thomas signing with the Blue Jays was the best offseason move for the Angels. Ya, that is pretty much correct. However, it is very sad. The Angels haven't made any big offseason moves, don't count Matthews and a bunch of relievers big. So, Thomas leaving the A's only weakens the A.L. West, giving the Halos a better shot at the playoffs, but not a World Championship. Ya, its world Pnatt.
2. Lets see if UCLA can beat Florida State. The Bruins' problems often reflect a consistant effort. While they looked great against USC, the Bruins still struggle to be very good week in and week out. A victory over the Noles will be their fourth straight. Unheard of in Westwood.
1. The Lakers can win the NBA title this year. Yes I said it Manny! They are deeper than most teams (especially Pheonix), have a solid defense (unlike the Suns), and have Kobe Bryant (81).
