He's Baaaaack

LeBron and the Heat are taking their talents to Cleveland tonight. More coverage tomorrow, but for tonight just enjoy the show.

Real Winner in South Florida

As many of you loyal bloggers know, FIU defeated ASU tonight 31-24, and claimed at least a share of the SunBelt crown. For the first time in the program's 9 year history, the Panthers are headed to a bowl game, possibly in New Orleans, or Mobile, Alabama. FIU's winning drive was capped off by a screen pass to All Conference receiver TY Hilton who took it 42 yards for the score. Just a few years back, the Panthers were winless in almost three seasons, and finished 1-12 in head coach Mario Cristobal's first year. It is quite amazing how, after just three years, a football program can make that turnaround, and that's why the Panthers are on the rise.

Told Ya So

Like we said, Randy Shannon's days were numbered. Tonight, after losing to a less talented USF squad, Miami AD Kirby Hocutt fired Randy Shannon and his staff. Jeff Stoutland, the offensive line coach, will take over as the interim coach for the 'Canes in their bowl game. A press conference will be held tomorrow at 1pm eastern time.

Almost Doesn't Count

Way to go Nick Saban. First you leave the Dolphins abruptly, then you let your team blow a 21 point lead. Auburn's Heisman candidate, Cam Newton, led the comeback that would undoubtedly send the Tigers to the BCS title game if they can get past South Carolina in the SEC Championship game. War Eagle.

Enter Jon Gruden

Rumors flying around college football that ESPN NFL Quarterback guru Jon Gruden will soon replace Randy Shannon as the head coach of the struggling Miami Hurricanes. This comes days after Gruden described Miami as an "untapped source" and liking the idea of taking over of the infamous program. Miami is 26-20 under Shannon and have not come near winning the ACC or being invited to a BCS bowl, and losing the previous two bowl games to sub-par programs. He recently just signed a 4 year extension, but with the lack of success and pressure from alumni, we'll see what Randy's fate is in just a few weeks.

Happy Thanksgiving

Is this it?

Could this be the last time we see Randy Shannon pacing back and forth on the 'Canes sideline? Our boy Randy is on the hot seat due to his emotionless demeanor and four poor, unsuccessful seasons as the head of his alma mater. After taking control in 2007 in the post Larry Coker era, the only positive that has come out of his reign was the come from behind victory at Doak Campbell in 2009 over the Seminoles, that left many dreaming of a BCS berth. What fans got in return? A solid showing in wins over Oklahoma and Georgia Tech, but crushing defeats at the hands of Virginia Tech and Clemson. What seemed to be a sure championship year, ended in a loss to Wisconsin in the Champs Bowl. Both the 2009 and 2010 seasons were supposed to be the years of the U. Order was supposed to be restored and Miami was supposed to regain prominence and be on top of the world, but that was not and is not the case. One could only imagine that this is it for the former defensive coordinator, as his starting quarterback, Jacory Harris has not lived up to hype or potential, and his team simply struggles in the stretch. Shannon's fate is up to Athletic Director Kirby Hocutt, according to school president Donna Shalala. This has been a rough decade for 'Canes fans, and its only getting worse, unless some changes are made. Maybe all the U needs, is to reinvent swagger.

Haslem Out Indefinitely

As if things were not already bad for the Miami Heat, power forward Udonis Haslem is likely to be out for the season with a torn ligament in his left foot. Haslem suffered the injury a few days back against the Grizzlies, and this only adds to the frustration the Heat have had lately. With his injury, Miami waived Jerry Stackhouse and signed veteran center Eric Dampier.

Rags to Riches

Here at Hi-Chuck, we figured we'd take the time to write about a local school that fans around the country refer to as "the school who got into that major brawl against Miami a few years back." FIU, now becoming nationally known, has flown under the radar as the team that "almost" upset Rutgers and Texas A&M this year, after rallies fell short in the final seconds of both games, but as of today, the Panthers are 5-1 in the SunBelt Conference (5-5 overall). For the first time in the program's history, FIU is just one game away from capturing the SunBelt crown and headed to a bowl game. The scenario is quite complicated, as the conference is considered to be one of the weakest in the FBS, and bowl officials are very cautious of what teams to invite to their respective bowl game, but the Panthers will be more than happy wherever they go. Just a few months ago the baseball program won the conference tournament, setting the standard for the rest of the athletic department, according to athletic director Pete Garcia. If this is the case, then let the Panthers run wild. In a hot spot for recruiting and the quality of talent in Miami, FIU would benefit in the long run if they are able to finish the job and win the remaining two games on their schedule and make it to the bowl game.

Nike Taking Over

According to sources, Nike bought out the uniform contracts for the NFL, effective next year. This comes as no surprise to anyone, as Nike is trying to buy out all major contracts for other sports, such as the NBA, who is currently under endorsement with Adidas. Along with the recent deal, is the creation of the NFL Nike Combat uniforms, already present in college football. The idea has already hit team owners, and if approved, will be unveiled in the 2012 season. Since we love the Dolphins, above is a picture of what the Combat uniform for Miami is supposedly going to look like.

Felix the King

After a long two days, it was announced this afternoon that Seattle Mariners pitcher Felix Hernandez won the AL Cy Young Award. This came a few days after Phillies hurler Roy Halladay unanimously won the award in the National League. Hernandez, finished the year 13-12 with 232 strikeouts, but lead the majors with a 2.27 ERA. "This confirms the Cy Young is an award not only for the pitcher with the most wins but the most dominant," said Hernandez, who was interviewed via phone from his home in Venezuela. Meanwhile, Halladay finished the year 21-10 with 219 strikeouts, with a 2.44 ERA. We are pretty sure the unanimous vote was heavily influenced by the perfect game he threw early in the year against the Marlins, and his unforgettable no hitter in Game 1 of the NLDS against the Cincinnati Reds.

Moving on Upton?

Rumors flying around the National League involving a trade between the Marlins and the D'Backs. The trade would send Sean West and Ricky Nolasco to Arizona for young outfielder Justin Upton. According to sources, the Marlins still have anywhere between $3-$4 million left to spend on possible free agents and are also looking to make a move on RHP Javy Vazquez. If this proves to be accurate, then it looks like the Fish might be able to reach the playoffs for the first time since 2003, when they defeated the New York Yankees in the World Series.

Step Aside, Jacory

Miami Hurricanes Head Coach Randy Shannon announced today that junior quarterback Jacory Harris is still undergoing post concussion tests and has seen a neurologist, but is more than likely out for this Saturday's matchup versus Virginia Tech. True Freshman Stephen Morris took the reins following a nasty hit on Harris at Virginia on October 30 and is 2-0 as the 'Canes starting quarterback. Could he guide the U to victory this Saturday? A win would give Miami a chance of slipping into the ACC Championship game, assisted by a Hokie loss to Virginia the following week.

The Year of the Streak

As many of you faithful followers are aware, 2010 has been the year of the streak. Whether it be the Connecticut Women's Basketball team and their 80 wins in a row, Western Kentucky football's 26 game losing streak, or the amazing 56 game hitting streak currently in the works with Garrett Wittels, it has definitely been a "streaky" year (Yeah, I said it). Although WKU has not gotten anywhere near the same amount of attention, both UConn and Wittels have caught the eye of the average fan and taken advantage. The crazy haired infielder of FIU has young baseball players around the country sporting the bubble gum chewing, stirrup wearing look, while every girl in America has aspirations of becoming part of a storied program that is on the verge of breaking a 30 year old record. The Hilltoppers are coming off back to back weekends where they actually won a game, so kudos to them, but will Wittels and UConn continue their respective streaks? UConn is fresh off a nailbiting victory against No. 2 Baylor and are right at the start of the season, but "G Witt" and his record have been on hold since last June. Is it possible for a 21 year old college kid to succeed amid amount of pressure being put on him by the university and the student body? It has been months that he has faced a pitcher wearing a different uniform and he will have to chase history in front of thousands that will be in attendance and the rest of America watching along on ESPN. Shouldn't be too hard, right?

So Long, Uggla

As of today, former Marlin secondbaseman Dan Uggla will no longer be part of the organization. Uggla was traded off to the Atlanta Braves for infielder Omar Infante and LHP Mike Dunn after declining contracts offered that would have given him $48 million over 4 years. The Braves welcome the 2-time All Star weeks after hiring former Marlins manager Fredi Gonzalez, who was let go after a heated discussion in the dugout with star shortstop Hanley Ramirez. These moves do not surprise anyone, as Florida's front office, considered to be one of the best in baseball a few years back, has many flabbergasted with transactions they have made over the years. Now, we all see that David Samson, Larry Beinfest and owner Jeffrey Loria simply have one thing on their minds: making that paper. Towards the end of the regular season, popular outfielder Cody Ross was put on waivers, claimed by San Francisco and was named the NLCS MVP. What did the Marlins get in return for Ross? Nothing. Same goes with Jorge Cantu, who was sent to Texas for a minor league player to be named later. This is just the beginning for the Fish, as LHP Andrew Miller and CF Cameron Maybin were also traded away within the past two weeks. The lone bright spot in all of this is the signing of former Blue Jays catcher John Buck, who agreed, in terms, to a 3 year deal worth about $18 million. This still does not resolve the problems the Marlins are having at the top, but it will suffice for the time being.

So, on behalf of us here at Hi-Chuck, goodluck Fish fans.

Dolla. Dolla. Bill. Y'all.

Michael Vick, just got paid. With his Maddenesque performance last night, good ol' number 7 went from PETA whipping boy, to the greatest quarterback in the history of the world. Throughout what was obviously a ridiculous game, ESPN's broadcast team went from calling him player of the year to player of the decade. It didn't stop there, SPOILER ALERT after the game, the Eagles, with Vick under center, were deemed unstoppable, and crowned Super Bowl Champions. So, yeah, you can pretty much stop watching football until next season. This of course all went down the same day Donovan McNabb, the guy the Eagles kicked out of town for Kevin Kolb, got a 5-year $78 million extension. Kevin Kolb of course had one carry for -1 yard last night as you were all aware of.

Anything to add, DeSean Jackson? 


"We were like pit bulls, ready to get out of the cage."


Good job, DeSean.

Bling, Bling

Thanks to the folks at DukeBluePlanet, or rather, former employees with connections with the staff and Lacrosse team (Too soon?) Any way, here is the picture of the NCAA Men's Basketball ring, nothing short of just really flippin' nice.

Panthers, Tigers and Blue Devils, Oh My!

So, this has been the year of the mobile quarterback with Cam Newton leading the bunch along with Denard "Shoelace" Robinson, who have been grabbing all the media attention since day one. Lackluster starts from major programs have been of great concern, thus far, as the top FBS schools have decided not to live up to pre-season expectations starting out quite lethargic. With bowl season around the corner, many of the schools have been receiving negative attention, be it recruiting violations, deals with agents, etc. Texas and Florida are having outright disappointing years after starting the season ranked in the top 10 and laying a giant egg the past three weeks. Mack Brown and Urban Meyer are going to have to re-amp their coaching staffs after what has been a complete nightmare for the two powerhouses, but many seem to think Mack's days as a Longhorn are numbered. In the SEC, Newton recently broke a conference record: passing for 2,000 yards and rushing for 1,000, to go along with single-handedly leading Auburn to its #2 BCS ranking. This kid is the real deal, receiving praise from every corner of the country, and even being compared to Gator legend Tim Tebow. The only thing holding Newton back from winning the Heisman this year is a pending investigation being run by the NCAA and FBI on recent allegations of violations taking place while he was attending Blinn College. The allegations accuse Newton's father of trying to reach settlements with recruiters at Mississippi State in order to get his son to play at MSU. He asked these recruiters for almost $180,000 to get young Cam to commit to playing for the Bulldogs.

With the debacles, come the cinderella stories. Up and coming FIU is quietly making its way to the national headlines in a poor SunBelt Conference and they are our Non AQ team of the week. They sit alone at the top of the conference for the first time in the program's young history after enduring two seasons where they won just one game. Head Coach Mario Cristobal has the Golden Panthers, Panthers, Isaiah Thompson's, whatever they are called, headed in the right direction. With two more wins, they clinch a bowl berth and maybe even the SunBelt crown.

In other news, the National Champion Duke Blue Devils received their rings this past week, we'll post a picture on the next blog of the bling. The Cameron Crazies are favored to win it all again this year, but don't count out all that is orange in Syracuse. It seems like every year the Orangemen make a push late in the tournament, and we here at Hi-Chuck pick the 'Cuse to head into the Final Four and take the crown. The NCAA season, which won't get exciting until March Madness comes around, is underway so check out all the exciting info here on the ever-reliable Hi-Chuck.

Hungry? Why Wait?

We have decided to expand our coverage a tad, for the few, faithful who take their time to read our blog. Hi-Chuck, based in the South-East, will be covering Heat, Dolphins, College Football and any Marlins news for the time being. This gives us a chance to keep you, the reader, up to date with current events, transactions, campus brawls, etc. For now, enjoy the team on the rise, the alma mater of one of pole vaultings finest athletes.

Cheers!

Heat Fans, Relax

So, the Lakers are undefeated and the Heat are far from the 82-0 start everyone was awaiting. So what. Now, I am pretty sure my middle school team could take on the toughest squad that has faced Kobe and the boys, but this hot streak is expected from the 2-Time defending NBA champs. Taking on teams like Portland, Memphis, etc. is not much of a test for them, but they better not lose a game to teams like that this early on or they'll be crucified, like the criticism Miami is receiving after losing games to undefeated New Orleans, Boston and above average Utah.

Recently, I have been taking a lot of heat (no pun intended), from Laker fans claiming that Miami's Big 3 can already be considered a bust. If you take a look at the schedule of "elite teams" that have played against Miami, 5-3 ain't bad. I am not here to make excuses for Miami, but they really have played the better (or best) teams in the NBA. Between the Celts (Round 2 tomorrow night), Dwight Howards, Utah and New Orleans, it has not been a cake walk for the South Beach Boys.

After the 5-3 start, there is no need to panic, there are still 74 games to be played.

So, Heat fans, Relax. Take it easy.

Gotcha

  

Put all doubts to rest, the Heat love being hated. Complete with their three main anti-heros, the Heat have now introduced the world to their hand whatever you want to call it. They're now only a black and white t-shirt with a grainy 305 in a square away from officially being the NBA's NWO. When asked yesterday about it James Jones said it had no meaning (audio here). Today, however, Juwan Howard told 790's Jorge Sedano that the gesture is a "gotcha" to the haters (audio here). So there you go Chuck, suck it Gotcha.

If you wanna be a cool kid here's a closer look

Special thanks to Patrick Beverly for being on the team long enough to tweet a pic of his hand, too bad there won't be a ring on that finger.

Haters, Keep Hating...

The argument that Miami wouldn't be able to shoot well was much more valid than their defense projected to struggle, but after tonight's game against the T'Wolves I'd be afraid if I were ANY team in the NBA. The Heat shot 58% from the field (57% from 3pt land) and didn't look back in the 129-97 rout of Minnesota. Feeling better, Michael Beasley? Nothing a joint can't fix. Oh, and can someone cover Eddie House and James Jones? Actually, make that the rest of the Heat's lineup/bench. House is averaging over ten points a game, while Jones is looking like Rob Horry drilling threes. Also, looks like Carlos Arroyo is starting to gel quite well as the starting pointguard. After a few struggling starts, he's starting to look more like the PG that led Puerto Rico over Team USA a few years back.

Aside from the explosive offense, Miami's defense, which has been dominant thus far, looked even more impressive as the game went on. Lebron James sent a swatted ball into UpTown and Bosh and Wade contributed with a pair of steals each. Looks like Spoelstra has one part of the equation figured out, but there's only one question remaining to be answered, who's turn is it Friday night at New Orleans? Will Wade continue to be the hot scorer, while Lebron dishes out assists? Or will they trade roles and continue their double digit victories?

For now, get well soon Michael Beasley and uh Wes Johnson, you can go pick up your basketball in the 400 section.

Happy Halloween!

Congratulations to the New Jersey Nets on their costumes! They dressed up like an NBA team!

On the itinerary for the rest of the season is maybe learning to play like one.

Black Magic

First off, some disclaimers.

We caught the Magic on the tail end of a back to back on the road, it was our home opener after a day off, and the amount of santeria performed on behalf of the Heat decimated the rooster population of Miami-Dade County.

That being said we made Orlando, an early title contender, look like the 2009 Nets.

Dwight Howard was the leading Magic scorer with 19 points, all in the first half. The Magic, who were one of the top teams last season in 3 pointers made and 3 point percentage, made only 4 treys...at a 16% clip. The Magic shot 30% overall and 70% from the charity stripe.

The Heat's defense was still about half a step slow, understandable because Spoelstra relies so much on help defense rotations which are a bit complicated to learn (just ask Beasley, oh wait...). One thing the game illustrated was how effective four long, athletic players and Carlos Arroyo can be in the scheme, never mind that Lebron and Wade are two of the best help defenders in the league. When this team puts it together, it's going to be impossible to get a bucket on them.

If you still need convincing, just look at this play-by-play of Friday's third quarter, where the Heat outscored the Magic 28-10. The Heat defense held the Magic to 2 field goals. Over a 12 minute period. Seriously.

The offense looked much more polished as well. It's surprising that it took Lebron and Wade so long to figure out that they can just run down the court and throw alley-oops to each other.

Theres still room for improvement, the Heat shot 40% from the field and committed way too many fouls on defense. Our defensive strategy made the Delonte West-Von Wafer "altercation" look like a spirited game of slaps. Our 3 point Shooting on the other had was awesome, and also served as a giant middle finger to the Magic, who couldn't hit a thing despite throwing up shots like they threw money at Rashard Lewis.

On a more hilarious note, Vince Carter went down after being "shaken up" when he collided with another player. The Celtics (God bless their demonic evil hearts) showed how fragile Carter was last year in the playoffs and now everyone is banging into him trying to collect the bounty Toronto put out on him all those years ago. I got my money on Grizzlies finally doing him in, Zach Randolph looks like the type that would be super down with this. He is a drug kingpin after all.

The Heat have a tough Eastern Conference test on the road at New Jersey (Pfffftt) on Sunday. Hopefully they'll be able to scrape out a win *snort* against the vaunted Nets. No word as of yet if Jay-Z and his boo Mikhail Prokhorov will be in attendance.

Sixers

The Sixers were papa. They don't deserve our energy, time and effort.



The shit show begins tomorrow.

Building Rome

The text messages started rolling in around 8:15.

"Hey Spoelstra, Your team is down 18"

"R u a heat fan? cuz your losing"

"We got more championships than u have seasons"

Being stuck in class, this was the way I experienced the first half of Tuesday's season opener.

It wasn't Boston fans sending me messages. Oh sure, they might have been wearing Boston gear, but in reality they were Heat haters, the biggest fan base in the country as of July 8th.

And for one night they were right, regardless of how douchie they might have sounded.

The Big 3 looked hesitant, the defense was a step slow, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh shot 26% from the floor, none of the role players stepped up, and Joel Anthony started at center.

Disaster, on the surface at least.

The fact is before Tuesday's game, Wade, Bosh, and James played together on the same NBA team for exactly three minutes. In a preseason game.

The fact is the new-look Heat played the defending Eastern Conference Champions, a team which led the league in every defensive statistical category last season, in Boston.

The fact is the Heat were down three points with less than a minute to play.

That was as bad as the Heat are ever gonna play. To lose by eight, after being that unimpressive and unimaginative isn't disheartening in the least, its encouraging. Today's glorified shoot around (@ Philadelphia) should serve to hash out rotations and loosen up the players a bit, after all, nothing lifts a team's spirit like hammering on the 76ers (Honorable mention for the Twolves).

We open our season at home on Friday, October 29th against the Magic, a legitimate title contender with size, shooting, and athleticism. Hopefully by then, Wade gets over his irrational fear of defending screen and rolls, Bosh remembers you can be closer than 17ft to the basket, and Lebron forgets about game 1.

The Haters were happy for one night. The Heat are content to save their happiness until June.

Meanwhile in LA....