Lawrence Frank, a good hire for the Detroit Pistons

7/27/11 7:06 PM

Instead of turning heads with their coaching hire, the Detroit Pistons are going against the grain.  They plan on hiring Celtics assistant, Lawrence Frank as their next head coach. A Google search will show he has been highly sought-after. Many reports across the country tabbed him as a candidate in numerous coaching searches, from the Houston Rockets to the University of Tennessee.  This past year, he took over the reigns of the defensive duties for the Celtics from Chicago Bulls coach, Tom Thibodeau. Much like Thibodeau, he was hard-working and continued the Celtics dominance on defensive by ranking first in points allowed.  It is fair to say Frank is just as prestigious in the coaching ranks as Thibodeau.   However, Frank doesn't...

Women’s World Cup final: US vs. Japan (Preview)

7/17/11 10:07 AM

The Americans never-quit attitude has put them one step away from the expectations, the '91 and '99 USA team set forth. The exposure that has come with the success of the U.S. has been overwhelming, although the spotlight on Japan must feel brighter as a result of what they have faced outside of the sport. Furthermore, the theme song for ESPN's coverage of the Women's World Cup is "The Edge of Glory," but in the past year the U.S. has been closer to edge of defeat.  They participated in a playoff against Italy to advance to the World Cup because of a loss to Mexico.  Yet U.S. Manager, Pia Sundhage did not shy away from proclaiming they are still the favorites to win the World Cup. Her approach seems to have paid off throughout...

Women's World Cup: U.S. vs. Brazil

7/9/11 6:29 PM

The U.S. is set to play Brazil today in the quarterfinals of the World Cup. With Japan’s victory over host country, Germany (No. 2 ranked by FIFA), the U.S. and Brazil could be facing their largest stumbling block two rounds before the final stage.  Despite losing to Sweden in group play, the U.S. does not lack confidence. In part, they blamed bad luck as the reason for the loss.  They had 11 more shots than Sweden and also had one more shot on goal. The Americans last World Cup and Olympic run both ended with a game against Brazil. In the 2007 World Cup, their journey ended with a devastating 4-0 loss to Brazil.  In a controversial move, former U.S. coach Greg Ryan replaced goalkeeper, Hope Solo before the game with veteran Briana Scurry.  In the following...

U.S. women’s soccer aims for 2011 World Cup

6/27/11 10:18 PM

The Women's World Cup officially kicked off on Sunday with host country, Germany defeating Canada 2-1. The United States now await North Korea in their first game today at 11:45 a.m. eastern time.  No. 1 ranked United States won gold in the 2008 Beijing Olympics, yet they have many doubters.  It is partly due to the U.S. being the last qualifier in the World Cup. After they were upset by Mexico, they had to play Italy in a playoff.  They outscored Italy 2-0, in two games to advance. Journeywoman Abby Wambach and 21 year-old, Alex Morgan are key pieces to Team USA’s chances of winning their first World Cup, since 1999.  This will be Wambach’s third World Cup appearance. The United States has a record of 76-1-2, when she scores....

A troubling year in sports

6/24/11 1:49 PM

The last 12 months have been marked with the ugliest portion of sports: Breaking rules, greed, and life-long consequences of injuries. It all began with Cam Newton. Three sources associated with Mississippi State reported that his father, Cecil Newton accepted money to persuade his son to play for the Auburn Tigers. In a stunning move, the NCAA decided that no rules were broken, since Cecil Newton was shopping his son around and supposedly Cam Newton knew nothing about it. In December, college football was put in a bad light once again. Five Ohio State players were charged with selling their memorabilia for money and tattoos. They will have to sit out the first five games next season, but they were able to participate in the bowl game. What frustrated most in these two cases was... 3 comments