Top Five Friday...Power Forward edition

5- Dennis Rodman
One of the absolute best defensive players in NBA History. Yea he was a little (a lot) eccentric with his attire/hair/attitude/behavior, but there wasn't a player on the court who gave more effort, worked harder and wanted it more than "The Worm." The guy was a key member of 5 NBA Championships and deserves to be in consideration for one of the Top PF's of all time. He was a defensive master and a rebounding machine. There hasn't been nor will ever be a guy like Rodman.

4- Charles Barkley
Sir Charles was probably one of the most undersized PFs of all time. Standing at 6'6" he went toe to toe with every big man that stood in his path. Barkley had the moxy and persona to be the best and if not for Jordan, he'd have at least 1 ring. There hadn't been a player like Barkley who could run the floor like a 2 guard but post up and defend bigs. He was so unique and special, he changed the way people thought about power forwards. If we were judging the best athletes who are now commentators, Barkley would be hands down number 1. The guy is hilarious and speaks his mind, and I love it!

3- Karl Malone
The Mail Man. He and Stockton were one of the most formidable duos in NBA history. They mastered the pick and roll and it was essentially impossible to stop. I am not sure I've ever seen a Karl Malone jump shot ever hit the rim, he was nothing but net almost every time. Aside from being one of the most physically dominant players in the NBA, he always delivered when it was necessary. He and Stockton never won a ring together (again, because of Jordan) but he will still go down as one of the best players in NBA History. O by the way, hes second all time in points scored in NBA history.

2- Kevin Garnett
"The Big Ticket" came into the league out of high school and immediately made an impact. He has had sustained success for a long time and there isn't a more intense player than KG. He helped the TWolves get to the playoffs for a number of years but could never make it to the promise land. He finally got his taste of a ring with the Celtics. There haven't been too many players like KG, who take pride in playing defense and can also put up 30 on you. All these young kids coming into the league who are stretch 4s should go back and watch tape of KG when he was with Minnesota to learn how to play the game the right way. Hey, "ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE!!!"

1- Tim Duncan
"The Big Fundamental"I don't think anyone can argue NOT having Timmy as the best PF of all time. The guy has done it the right way and with one team his whole career. He's got 5 rings and has been the centerpiece of all of them. He is as humble as they come but like a fine wine, seems to be getting better with age. I've never seen anyone use the glass the way this guy does. He has a touch like no other and is one of the more underrated defensive players that I can remember. He is the last superstar who not only has been dominating in the NBA, but also is a 4-year college graduate and helped put Wake Forest on the map. He is the definition of franchise player and superstar. If you're talking about power forwards, Tim Duncan is the G.O.A.T!

Top 5 Friday...Shooting Guard Edition

As we continue on with our Top 5 Friday, this week were exploring the Top 5 Shooting Guards in the past 25 years. This one is fairly easy seeing as though I can't see any human on Earth arguing 1 and 2, but 3-5 could be up for debate. Either way, here we go!

5-Reggie Miller(Time)- This guy took trash talking to a whole new level. I loved watching Reggie toy with guys, chirp in their ear and throw his hands up to the refs to insinuate he did nothing wrong. Whenever the Pacers need a big shot, Reggie was on point! No one will forget his 8 points in 11 seconds against the Knicks in the playoffs. Reggie was one of the best competitors throughout his career. I bet every Knick fan hates him, and thats exactly how Miller liked is!


4- Dwyane Wade (Flash)- Coming out of Marquette, he wasn't one of the more talked about players in the 2003 Draft because of names like Lebron, Melo and...yes...Darko. Seems as though Flash took it personally winning 3 Championships in Miami and will soon have a statue outside the arena. Now he won one championship without Lebron and Bosh, but he did have Shaq. Even though Shaq was a big presence, D.Wade took home the Finals MVP. His game has evolved over the years into a slower, more crafty game, but he is still extremely effective, when he isn't plagued with injuries. He is a great player to watch when hes at 100%.


3- Allen Iverson (AI) Many have said that he is pound for pound the best player ever in the NBA! Standing barely 6 feet tall, AI never had a problem attacking the rim, and he never took a shot he didn't think he would make. He carried a 76ers team all the way to the Finals in 2000 and won game 1, only to run into a dynasty Lakers team. We ain't just talkin bout practice here! AI was a true gamer. No one has ever, nor will they ever question his heart. If only he had a few other pieces around him, he might be able to shine a Championship Trophy daily, to go along with his MVP trophy.

2- Kobe Bryant (The Black Mamba) There really isn't much to say about this guy that isn't known, or hasn't already been said. Coming out of High School, he was originally drafted by the Hornets and traded for Vladie Divac (Nice trade Charlotte!) Ever since then in 1996, he has wowed all who watch him. His work ethic, competitive nature and drive has led him to 5 NBA Championships and a Laker Legend. I have nothing but respect for Kobe Bryant. There are few men that are wired the way he is, maybe that's the reason that those men are in a whole different class of greatness!


1- Michael Jordan (G.O.A.T/Air Jordan/MJ)- It's really funny when people say that Lebron is the next Jordan, or could be as good as him...NOT A CHANCE! There will never be another Michael Jordan because no one has what he had. This couldn't have been an easier pick and no explanation needs to be given as to why he was atop this list. I could go on and on about all his greatness, but I'll just let you all admire his hardware in the picture. I think in this case especially, "A picture is worth a thousand words."

Top 5 Friday...Best College Basketball Coaches under 50

We have started our "Top 5 Friday" and this week we're looking at the Top 5 College Basketball Coaches under 50 years old. With March Madness in full madness, this is a perfect time to explore who the best young coaches are.

5- Buzz Williams Virgina Tech
Aside from being probably one of the sweatiest coaches in college basketball, he is also one of the most passionate coaches. He continuously has his programs competitive and playing hard. He hasn't gotten to the promise land yet, but he is still young enough (42) to get a few opportunities. He might, however, need to tone down the jumping and plyometrics on the sidelines as he continues to get older.


4-Fred Hoiberg Iowa State

This district attorney for Gotham...O wait, it's not the same guy? Sorry I thought that they were the same person. Anyways, Hoiberg has taken Iowa State from a relatively unknown school to a team that is always relevant come March! He has done a great job with this program and at the young age of 42, has plenty of time left to build on his success...And save Gotham!


3- Shaka Smart VCU
I think if there was one college coach I would want to play for, it would be Smart. He not only loves the in-your-face style of defense, but he seems to engage with his players unlike other coaches in todays era. He has an energy and grit to him that makes him desirable to play for. He has done wonders for VCU and put them on the map in terms of an Atlantic 10 powerhouse.



2- Archie Miller Dayton
Younger brother of Sean Miller, it seems as though the Miller family just breeds great coaches. Archie has turned Dayton into one of the best teams in the A10 and consistently they are dancing come March. As unfortunate as it is, he might be so good for Dayton that other, bigger programs could try to scoop him up for more $$$. As an alum of an A10 team myself, THE ST. BONAVENTURE BONNIES, I hope he stays because he is great for the Atlantic 10 and Dayton.

1- Sean Miller Arizona
The OLDER brother of Archie Miller, this guy can straight coach! He got his start at Xavier where he basically dominated the A10 conference for a few years. He got his big break being hired at Arizona trying to fill the shoes of the great Lute Olsen. It's a tough task to follow a legend, however, Miller is paving his own way in leading his Wildcats to yet another Sweet 16 with aspirations higher than that! Miller (S) is in a fantastic spot to continue a run of greatness being at a big-time school while also being wildly successful! This is the type of situation I could see playing out for his younger brother Archie in the near future.

PS...Do those eyes not just SCREAM success!?

Top 5 most underappreciated positions in sports

#5. The Set-up Man: 
It has been and forever will be known that in baseball - it comes down to pitching. We all know the importance of great starting pitching -that's a given. Also, we know how a lights out closer can put a lid on things with a scoreless 9th taking home the glory (and the save). Not to be ignored bridging these lies the Set-up man. In the eyes of many under-appreciating viewers, this is seen as almost a commercial break from the action. A chance to reload on the Miller Light and grab a footlong before the concessions close up shop. Not today.  Here's to the Set-up Man for cracking the top 5. Today, we got your back (unless you hang a curve and make us look like idiots).

#4. The Swingman:

NBA analysts seems to flip flop every year on what wins championships. Some (including myself) think its won in the paint. Others say the 1-2 punch back-court are a must and will create space for everyone to fill their role. Lost on this is the versatile Swingman. The match-up nightmare that does both! Case and point: Boris Diaw, Draymond Green, Paul George. Not saying the guys will ever score an MVP vote, but if the V stood for Versatile - would give anyone a serious run for the money. The "Point-Forward" spot - when played the right way - creates mismatches across the board. Not only for him, but for teammates as well. Put a guard on him - he'll post up. Match him with a big - hes stretching the floor. While some teams tend to occupy this spot with a spot up corner shooter (ie Kyle Korver), I think the better play is the Swing-man that will keep the defense on edge. Here's to the nightly 9point 7board 4assist 1steal & 1block that today, we celebrate.

#3. The Gunner:
The field position game is to some degree - appropriately mentioned throughout the course of a football game. In an effort to not group all the special teamers into one category, today we give the rose to the punt gunners. There is something to be said for the the back up to the back ups back up who will only see the field for about 7 seconds every time the team has to punt and for about 6 of these seconds, he will be fighting off 2 defenders while clawing tooth and nail to - best case scenario - force a fair catch. Someday Yahoo will add a spot on the fantasy roster for these guys but for now - you'll have to settle for #3 on our otherwise meaningless article. Congratulations.

#2. The Caddy:

Cant help but give the #2 spot the the guy that gets up at the crack of dawn to walk the course, check out the greens, scout every inch of the course to "set the table" if you will to help out his buddy for ZERO of the accolades (all the while forced to dressed like a painter). At the very least, let the guys put their own names on their backs! I find it hard to believe the golfer who is standing next to them and who's bag they are holding wouldn't be a dead give away. Show some love to the caddy!

#1. TBD

Tune in later for our #1 Top spot on the chart. In the meantime - drop your thoughts below on who you think rounds out the list.