Throwdown Thursday - March Madness

2v2 - March Madness

Morris Peterson & Mateen Cleaves

Juan Dixon & Steve Blake

The Road to Indianapolis- A bit too long!

Officially, the 2015 March Madness tournament begins today featuring the Hampton Pirates vs. the Manhattan Jaspers. The first of 4 "first round matchups" that have been also coined the "play-in games". While you would hear no argument from me if you said March Madness was the greatest event in modern sports, I can't help but argue that the NCAA is walking a thin rope in expanding the tournament to 68 teams. Let me explain:

1. First and foremost I got to just say it, its extremely confusing to the casual fan (who this event prides itself on attracting). By default then calling the round of 64 the "second round match ups", is ridiculous seeing that 60 of those 64 teams have yet to step on the court. 

2. In expanding the field to 68, its not like your are adding spots for the top 4 teams. With the 36 at large bids, you are ensuring a spot for basically the 33rd-36th best teams (ignoring conference winners). Last time I checked, if your the 33rd best at anything, someone better be in your ear telling you to try something else because lets face it, you just don't stack up. Aside from the $$$ aspect, why its so hard for someone to not hand out 33rd place trophies is beyond me. Frankly, it takes away from those that put up the resume to deserve it. 

3. Thirdly and perhaps most importantly - Lets be honest,  NOBODY cares about these games! Nothing much else to say there. 

I beg the NCAA to scale back this to the usual 64 teams and make the tough decisions come selection Sunday. Again, I will admit, I get the $$ side of it rules all, but at the risk of turning the regular season into some watered down prequel to a free for all 128 team bracket - Enough already! 64 teams was already plenty. If a 14 loss team that was good in the early 90's has any beef with that, hit the weights and come back next year. 

The OTHER NFL Combine...Defensive Edition

So we had some conversations about who would be a solid NFL Player from the NBA. We discussed the offensive side of the ball, now lets take a look at the ball hawking and pass rushing defenders who, from the NBA, have some unique talents that could transfer well over the National Football League.

DT- Glenn Davis (NFL Equivalent- Vince Wilfork)
The only reason I chose this one is because Big Baby is one of the biggest (Fattest) players in the NBA and could probably do some damage clogging up the middle to make it difficult to run the ball.

DE- Kawhi Leonard (NFL Equivalent JJ Watt)
Leonard is becoming a BEAST and with his size and speed, he could wreak havoc on any QB. Not to mention, those mitts jumping up to bat balls down like Watt does!



MLB- Lebron James (NFL Equivalent....Again, no one!)
This guy is such a freak he could play either side of the ball and would be a Pro Bowler! He is physical enough to help stop the run and take on blockers, and athletic enough to cover a TE or a RB out of the backfield. He, isn't, human!

CB1- Chris Paul (NFL Equivalent- Joe Haden)
To be a CB in the NFL, you need to have SWAG! You have to not only be physical and quick, you have to have that certain moxy about you where you KNOW you will shut down the opposing teams best players. CP3 has that pittbull mentality that is required to play CB.

CB2- Patrick Beverley (NFL Equivalent Richard Sherman)
Only fitting that I dislike both of these loud mouths, but they are very similar in their game personalities. Up-in-your-face mentality while also letting you know all about it is exactly how both of these guys play. I personally think both are vastly overrated...but that's neither here nor there. Beverley has the confidence (and mouth) needed to shut down pretty much anyone.


SS- Tony Allen (NFL Equivalent Kam Chancellor)
Chancellor is a one-man wrecking crew! Like him, Tony Allen is physical and powerful. His tenacity, drive and heart makes him a player that could come into the box and stuff any running play!

FS- Russel Westbrook (NFL Equivalent...None)
There isn't a player in the NFL who is like Westbrook...I don't think there is a human on Earth that is like him! He is on another level. I think that all 32 NFL teams are glad that Westbrook didn't try the gridiron over the hardwood. Imagine Russel patrolling the middle of the football field looking to intercept pretty much anything and tackle anyone he could...SCARY!

What do you think???