Sports and Rants with Brett and Pants

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Monday, December 29, 2014

Hall of Fame... Who will we see standing on the stage?

Well baseball fans it is that time of year again, Hall of Fame voting. Questions once again surround who should be put in, how many players should be voted and who should be enshrined in Cooperstown. Questions again are brought up whether regarding the former superstar steroid users like Bonds and Clemens should be put in as well. Below I have listed the five guys I think are the most likely candidates we will see standing on the stage this summer.

1. Randy Johnson

a. This vote does not need any explaining if you ever watched Randy pitch a game. Johnson was truly one of the most dominating and powerful pitchers to play. Johnson could blow a baseball by any player no matter who it was. The 300 game winner was one of the best players to watch play the game and was truly an all-time great and is a no brainer for the HOF.

2. Pedro Martinez

a. Pedro is another guy that was just truly dominating during his playing time. Smaller than most of his opponents Martinez still had a fastball that was unhittable and a change-up that was even better. Martinez though only having 219 career wins, falls in the category of a guy like Sandy Koufax a pitcher that truly dominated the game for a short amount of time. Pedro will have his opportunity to tell the Cooperstown “Who their daddy is…”

3. John Smoltz

a. Smoltz was always a guy who would do whatever it took to help his team win a game. Smoltz never had a problem switching between being a starting pitcher or a closer during his time with the Braves. Smoltz was truly spectacular on both ends of the mound.

4. Curt Schilling

a. How can you not put one of the best post-season players of all-time into the HOF. Schilling was truly a big game pitcher, no matter the circumstance or pressure, Curt was always able to give it his best on the mound. In his career in the post-season Schilling is 11-2 with two MVP Awards in the playoffs. This former Phillie is truly deserving of the opportunity to be with Cooperstown elite.

5. Craig Biggio

a. This is pretty apparent that Biggio will most likely get in this season. Biggio was two votes shy last season of getting into the HOF. The 3,000 hit club member will one day find himself with Cooperstown elites. Biggio was never a star but he was truly consistent and a very good player all around.

Honorable Mentions:

Alan Trammell and Tim Raines- Both of these guys are HOF players, and given an opportunity I would vote for them in a heartbeat. These players dominated at their positions and were leaders of their teams as well. Trammell and Raines are both deserving HOFer’s and I hope that they aren’t in a situation like that of Ron Santo, where by the time they get into the HOF they will no longer be with us.

Barry Bonds and Roger Clemens- Though both these players were steroid users, there is no doubt in my mind that they are not HOF worthy. Both of these players were superstars, the best at their positions, and should be in Cooperstown one day. Bonds and Clemens both saved the game of baseball and were both unbelievable talents. One day both of these guys will be in the hall.

-Brett

itunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/sports-rants-brett-pants/id934063452?mt=2&uo=4

Friday, December 26, 2014

New Year. New Team. New Identity.

Year-end reviews occur in every business. Since the Philadelphia Eagles hired Chip Kelly as their head coach the team has changed drastically. Chip Kelly has now finished his second season as the Eagles head coach, and he did not improve on his first. Kelly is not known for developing players. He is known for his innovative coaching philosophies. Chip can only successfully implement his unique coaching philosophies if the players believe in them. It may be difficult for the Eagles head coach to find players because they do not only have to fit into his style of football, but buy into his philosophies as well.

Even though Chip Kelly has had complete control over personnel decisions, he is still molding the team into his own. When new coaches takeover a team, they acquire players that fit their style of football and players that don’t. Kelly has not yet finished molding players into his own or letting players go that do not have a role on the team. How will Chip Kelly change the personnel during the offseason?

Trent Cole

Unfortunately for Trent Cole, his time in Philadelphia may be done. For 10 seasons Cole has been hunting Philadelphia’s opposing quarterbacks. Under Kelly, the two-time pro bowler has transitioned into a versatile outside linebacker. Number 58 on the Eagles was always a top pass rusher in the league, but he had the work ethic to also learn how to effectively drop back in coverage consistently. In 2014, Cole was a key contributor of one of the best front sevens in the league.

Even though Trent Cole has become a versatile OLB, you can’t teach old dogs new tricks. He wants to retire an Eagle. Cole will be 33 years old next season and nearing the end of his career. If everything works out smoothly, Marcus Smith will take over Trent Cole’s starting role. Trent Cole’s contract takes too big of a salary cap hit for him to be a backup. Chip Kelly would like more versatility on defense at the OLB position. With Marcus Smith, there would be more versatility. Versatility allows the pass rush would to be less predictable.

Riley Cooper

Compared to last season, Riley Cooper’s production plummeted tremendously. He went from 18 yards per reception, to just 10 yards. Even though Riley had the ball thrown to him more times, he accumulated less yards. With a big bodied receiver like Cooper, you would hope that he would be able to do more with the ball after the catch. By the end of the season, he was being phased out of the field by a rookie receiver, Josh Huff. A player that only had seven receptions, and one of those receptions led to a fumble that cost the Eagles the game.

Cooper is not playing up to the value that he is being paid. Number 14 on the Eagles makes more money on average than each Washington Redskins receiver, and that includes DeSean Jackson. Riley is the one player that was affected most from the releasing of Jackson. After Jackson left, there was more of a focus by opposing defenses to cover Cooper. It was a mistake for the Eagles handed Cooper such a large contract. For whatever reason Chip wanted to keep him on the team last offseason, it does not seem to be the case now.

Mark Sanchez

An ideal 2014 season would have Nick Foles continuing his high level of quarterback play that he finished at in 2013. The offense would be prolific and the Eagles would have success. However, after 9 weeks Foles turned the ball over 13 times and had a season ending injury. Marks Sanchez came in and played even worse. Sanchez turned the ball over 12 times in 8 games. Sanchez’s weak arm limits the Eagles offensive production. The former Jets quarterback came to the Eagles to revitalize his career. He would have been better off never stepping onto the field. Sanchez will not be a starting quarterback with the Eagles or any other team in the league. When comparing 2013 Foles with 2014 Foles, it is apparent that Chip designed drastically different styles of plays. Going into the 2015 season, Nick Foles will have the biggest chip on his shoulder out of anybody in the league.

Cary Williams & Bradley Fletcher

Both of the Eagles outside cornerbacks are dreadful. The cornerback position is the weakest position for the Eagles. It seems as if Cary Williams cannot cover a wide receiver without being penalized or trash talking. One of Kelly’s favorite mantras to say is "play with emotion, not let emotion play with you." So how come Williams does not play with that mindset? On the other side of the field, Bradley Fletcher’s coverage is just as bad. The only difference is that there is less intensity. Step one of the Eagles offseason is making sure Williams and Fletcher are let go. The main reason they were acquired was because of their size. Size is necessary when going against tall receivers. Kelly prefers lengthy corners because the size is also crucial in press coverage, which he prefers to use. If drastic changes are not made to secondary, there will be riots in Philadelphia that are not race related.

Chip Kelly deserves all of the blame for all of the past atrocious season. It is obvious that Chip needs to change his coaching philosophies. His approach to game day leaves a lot to be desired. Kelly has implemented a new culture in the Eagles organizations. During the offseason, it will be interesting to watch what changes are mad to both the personnel and with his coaching philosophies. Chip Kelly has to learn that it does not matter if his system worked in Oregon; he is not in Oregon anymore.

- Pants

itunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/sports-rants-brett-pants/id934063452?mt=2&uo=4

Monday, December 22, 2014

Thank You Jimmy Rollins

This city has given us some of the all-time greats, as well as some guys that were just true fan favorites. Jimmy Rollins was not a fan favorite by any means. He constantly frustrated fans by doing stupid acts on the base paths, at the plate and in the field. However, that does not mean he wasn't a great player and a great person in the community. Now that he is officially no longer a Philadelphia Phillie, it is time to look back and see what he meant to not only fans in this city, but children all around the area. Rollins was a mainstay at the shortstop position for 14 years. Many kids growing up in the area cannot remember a time without the All-Star shortstop. Though for all the shortcomings Rollins had in this city, he was more important than many people realize. Below are some of the most impactful moments Jimmy Rollins had on this city as both a player and a person.

2001: “Rookie Season”

This was Rollins first full season with the Phillies, an opportunity to show the fans what he can do as a player and he did not disappoint. As any fan can remember, Rollins brought so much excitement and energy to a lackluster team. He proved his worth by swiping 46 bags, batting .274, and providing 12 triples. Jimmy finished as an All-Star, the stolen base champion, and 3^rd in ROY voting. For a rookie season this was one of the most exciting in Phillies history, and many fans knew there was much more to come from Rollins.

2007: “Team to Beat”

This season was different coming in, and many reporters saw a different look on the face of Jimmy Rollins. The Phillies wanted to prove to the NL East that they were good, that they could compete and Rollins provided that spark by stating during spring training that they were “The Team to Beat.” Jimmy Rollins now an established star in the MLB, takes Phillies fans on one of the most exciting rides in recent memory. Rollins would not only win the MVP Award this season, but was a Silver Slugger, a Gold Glove winner, and would lead his team to the playoffs for the first time in years.

2008: “World Champions”

How could anyone forget this season? A magic year in the making the Phillies fought for the NL East all season and won it. Jimmy helped the Phillies fight all season. Jimmy produced all season; whether it came in the form of a huge base it when needed most or holding up the trophy at the end. Rollins helped provided Phillies fans with memories that will live with us for the rest of our lives.

As a person:

Jimmy not only was a great Phillies player, destined for the Wall of Fame one day. But, Rollins was an even better person. Jimmy provided the community with so many charity opportunities and events. He truly touched the hearts of Phillies fans. Rollins also helped bring baseball back to the inner cities, giving kids a reason to play. Rollins was truly a great player and a great man in this city.

-Brett

itunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/sports-rants-brett-pants/id934063452?mt=2&uo=4

Thursday, December 18, 2014

McCoy No More

LeSean “Shady” McCoy is in his sixth season of his career. Before this season started he would be considered as a premiere back in the league. He put the spotlight on himself when he said that he would reach 2,000 yards. The Eagles would never need that much production from him. Chip’s offensive playbook is predicated on the run. It builds on the run by getting the ball into space and letting athletic offensive weapons be the true offensive playmakers. When the running game is struggling, it puts unnecessary pressure on the quarterback. It is highly unlikely that Eagles would give McCoy enough carries to get 2,000 yards, so why would he think he would get their?

McCoy’s mouth is bigger than the milestone of reaching 2,000 yards. He is all talk and no bite. LeSean is in the prime of his career; however he has played better in previous years. Number 25 on the Eagles cannot carry a football team. This year is the first year that he is without DeSean Jackson. Jackson was a deep threat that would force the safeties to back away from the line of scrimmage, which would give McCoy more room to run. With the safety protecting from a deep throw to Jackson it also gave the offensive line one less guy to block and one less tackler to take down LeSean. A deep field threat would help McCoy reach his goal of 2,000 yards.

Just like how McCoy is all talk and no bite, he is all dance but skills. McCoy is tremendous in the open field. That is when his swift cut on a dime move is the most effective. However, in the backfield he thinks he can dance to past tacklers. McCoy can dance but he cannot boogey. His cutback move is nice, but it would be beautiful if he had skills to go along with it. The only reason he needs to use his cutback move in the open space is because he is too slow to run past tacklers. He does not have the second gear speed to blow by the secondary during a breakaway. More often than not he gets tackled from behind because it is hard to juke away from a tackler when he cannot be seen. If McCoy had an extra burst, maybe he would be able to achieve the elite 2,000 yard milestone.

LeSean McCoy will never be considered an NFL great because he is not a mulch-dimensional back. One example of this is McCoy backing away from blitzers instead of pass blocking. Because of this Kelly no longer trusts McCoy at the goal line. Chris Polk is getting the carries. He tries to do too much. Chip Kelly traded for Darren Sproles, because Sproles can do more than just run through the tackles. LeSean is not a team player and would be more valuable to the Eagles if he was. McCoy is an overconfident player that will never be considered as a top tier running back.

Shady is nothing more than a 20 cent tipping low life. He is arrogant and for whatever reason it seems as if he can only perform well when it is cold. His playing style allows him to take less abuse and would likely provide him with a longer career. He will have more years to attempt to get to 2,000 yards. Maybe he will be like Rex Ryan saying each year the Jets would win the Superbowl, except for 2,000 yards. If he does somehow get 2,000 yards, it may not be with the Eagles. It seems that Kelly has been straying away from McCoy. Let’s hope McCoy’s pompous attitude is crushed by his poor performance this season.

- Pants

itunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/sports-rants-brett-pants/id934063452?mt=2&uo=4

Wednesday, December 17, 2014

All these teams want for Christmas is....

So, with Hanukkah started and Christmas coming up next week; we pose the question what should the Philadelphia sports teams ask for?

Phillies:

Prospects… Prospects…Prospects

The Phillies as we all know is lacking prospects and a strong Minor League system. Let’s face it Phillies fans, this team has finally decide to start rebuilding with the moving of Jimmy Rollins. However, they have yet to make that big move for big name prospects. There have been several names thrown around to possibly get these young guys into the Phillies system. So, we decided to pose a few trades that could help improve the Phillies minor leagues.

Cole has a high market value, and several people believe he can make a team an instant contender. Well, with talks of Wil Myers going to the Padres; this proves the Padres obviously want to contend. This provides the Phillies with the perfect opportunity to restock their system and to provide the Padres with an Ace and a starting Catcher. Two names that could fit the Phillies needs would be Austin Hedges a catcher or Jose Rondon a SS. Both of these guys would help this franchise greatly.

Another, move which is more unlikely to bring back A or B+ prospects is the moving of Ryan Howard. Let’s be honest, Howard’s good years are truly behind him and he doesn’t have much to offer the Phillies any more. However, the guy is still valuable and can produce over 100 RBI’s if given the right situation. One team that may have interest in Howard for the right price would be the Athletics. Oakland is in need of a first baseman, and with the signing of Billy Butler at DH, this team could be his perfect fit. The Phillies would have to buy out most of Howard’s outrageously large contract. But, if it were to happen Oakland could provide some good young guys in return such as, Bruce Maxwell a very good young Catching prospect.

These are just two possible moves that the Phillies could make to gain some youth into their minor league systems. Other guys that could return some prospects would be Byrd, Papelbon, and Brown. Hopefully, the Phillies get what they need most this holiday season.

Flyers:

Scoring and a real Goalie

The Flyers have truly had some ups and downs this season, and it has not been fun to watch. The team needs something to fire them up, to get them playing well once more. One area that they need work in is in the category of scorers. Let’s face it the Flyers cannot compete when only two or three guys carrying the workload constantly on the offensive end. The Flyers made some bad moves the last couple years that have placed them in this predicament. They have moved scorers they shouldn’t and they didn’t bring the players back that they need. The team needs a true scorer to set up in their lineup or Hextall will have to make some moves to bring that scorer in that the team needs.

Another area that the Flyers need improvement is in net. In truth the Flyers have not had a great goalie in several years. Yes, Mason has played well, but he has had several ups and downs during his time with the Flyers. Sometimes he looks like a star other times, he looks just all-around bad. Ray Emery is the same way. Neither goalie has hit their stride. This season and injuries have plagued both of them. The Flyers will not compete unless they upgrade in the area of goalie.

Hextall has a lot of moves that he will have to make if the team wants to compete. This will not be a good time if you are a Flyers fan over the next several years, due to the fact that the Flyers haven’t made a big move to bring in the guy’s necessary to compete and win it all. In truth the Flyers will have to wait again for a Stanley Cup.

Sixers:

Shooting Guard

Well, if Sam Hinkie has anything to do with it the Sixers won’t have a shooting guard for another 10 years. Hinkie should be on the television show hoarding buried alive due to the fact that he has so many draft choices. The Sixers will be a competitive team and they are not too many years from being a Championship caliber team. The biggest piece that this team will need to compete is a high quality shooting guard, who wants the ball at any moment in time. One guy that they could get would be Emmanuel Mudiay a swing point and shooting guard.

Mudiay will be a top pick in this year’s NBA Draft, no doubt about it. Mudiay can provide the Sixers with that fire power, that Andrew Wiggins type of player that the Sixers wanted to draft last season. Mudiay has proven in China that he has that explosive offensive ability. This kid has proven that he does make mistakes on the court, however you have to remember over in China he is the all-around superstar. He is basically playing every position from point to small. With the Sixers he would be the perfect fit, being the main scorer and not worrying about playing the point as much.

If Hinkie can get his act together and think in the basketball mind that he should, rather than hoarding picks. Mudiay can be their guy, though everyone’s eyes are on Okafor as the top pick. Do not be surprised if the Sixers move Noel and someone else for another top pick to try to bring in both Okafor and Mudiay. This Sixers team will compete… Eventually.

Eagles:

The Playoffs

The Eagles have many good pieces on their team, and they are in the playoff race. However, after the last two games they have fallen out of first place and have shown that they cannot compete with a playoff team. The Eagles need their corners to perform at a higher level as well as a great QB if they want to compete and get back into the playoff race. This team has struggled of late and they need to get it together if they want to be back in the race.

The corners are the biggest question going into these last few games. The corners have not performed well as of late. Williams has been terrible and the Cowboys completely exposed him last game. Teams have proven that they are not afraid to throw into the Eagles secondary, that they are not a true threat to them. This has to change if this team wants to ever be in Super Bowl contention. Let’s face it, if teams can just throw the ball deep to guys like Dez Bryant every time for large gains, what’s stopping them. The Eagles need an improvement in the corner position if they are going to get back in the race.

The Eagles need and want to get back into the playoff contention. But, before they can even compete they need to get it together in the QB position. Foles though hurt has played not up to par this season, and Sanchez of late has been bad. So with Foles coming back in the next few weeks the question is if they get to the playoffs who will be their QB. This team if they want to be in the playoffs they need Nick Foles back to play at the highest level.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

HAPPY HANUKKAH!

HAPPY HOLIDAY'S!!!!!!!

-Brett

itunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/sports-rants-brett-pants/id934063452?mt=2&uo=4

Saturday, December 13, 2014

Cam Newton or Danny Wuerffel... What will Marcus become?

Does being the Heisman Trophy winner automatically make you a future stud in the NFL or even a very good player? In the NFL we have seen several guys come and go in recent years that were Heisman Trophy winners, including guys that were really never even given a chance. So the question is will Marcus Mariota fall in the category of an NFL success or an NFL bust?

Since 1990 there have been fifteen Heisman Trophy winners that have been Quarterbacks that have been given an opportunity to play in the NFL. For fun, let us name them all for you; Ty Detmer, Gino Torretta, Charlie Ward, Danny Wuerffel, Chris Weinke, Eric Crouch, Carson Palmer, Jason White, Matt Leinart, Troy Smith, Tim Tebow, Sam Bradford, Cam Newton, Robert Griffin III, and Johnny Manziel... Looking quickly at that list any NFL expert or fan can pick out the good players such as Carson Palmer, Sam Bradford, Cam Newton, and RGIII. With Johnny Football getting his first NFL start this weekend. Though those four guys listed are recent, they have found success in the NFL. Even though one or two of them are having off years.

Those four guys have had good careers so far, but not great careers. Palmer has always been a good Quarterback. He started his career with the Bengals and had a great deal of success early. During his first four seasons he found a great deal of success, having 32 TD’s in 2005. However, injuries and not having the talent around him has harmed his career. Sam Bradford and RGIII are both guys that have the talent to be successful NFL QB’s but like Palmer, they have been injury prone throughout their careers. Sam has played 4 seasons in the NFL, only two of them were full. Due to injury Bradford has truly never hit his stride in the NFL and he will be a curious case for fans to watch to see if he can reach his old Heisman form again. RGIII like Bradford has been injury prone since college. The former Heisman winner Griffin had unbelievable success during his rookie season, even winning the Rookie of the Year Award. Injuries have delayed again this season what RGIII can truly do and fans must yet again wait. Cam Newton out of all the guys listed above has not had the injury problems; however his performances are not like the days of his Heisman Trophy. Cam has had tons of success so far in the NFL, breaking records as a rushing QB. However, he still makes bad decisions with the football and many experts would say he is not the guy they expected him to become.

Looking at the names on this list we hope Marcus can find success in the NFL, or at least make it longer then only a few years. Mariota has had a long road to where he is today. Really no one was interested in the kid coming out of high school besides Oregon. Marcus has built his own legacy and has worked very hard, and now we will play the waiting game to see where he will fall. One thing Marcus does have is a good head on his shoulders and talent.

-Brett

itunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/sports-rants-brett-pants/id934063452?mt=2&uo=4

Tuesday, December 9, 2014

DeAndre Dominates

The Hawks bounced back tonight after a terrible loss on Saturday. Hawks played unbelievable basketball in the second half of the game to soar to victory 68-42. The 68 points tied St. Joe’s season high for a regulation game. The team really came together tonight playing their best basketball this season. At the beginning of this game fans in attendance seemed agitated and angry that the Hawks were not playing well. However, they were able to turn around the bad play and come out completely different. DeAndre Bembry led the team with 21pts and 7 rebounds, and helped guide the team to victory. Bembry truly looked like the team’s captain and star tonight, throwing down dunk after dunk. The team played completely different tonight, getting big plays from Bembry, Wilson, Miles, and Demery.

Though the Hawks had an amazing win tonight, they did struggle early tonight. Bembry looked again like he was not ready to be the leader of this team. At the beginning of this game he seemed unsure and lacked confidence, however he turned it around completely. Coach Martelli took a timeout late during the first half and seemed to instill confidence in his struggling Forward. Bembry came back with unbelievable fire and intensity. Bembry by far was the team’s leader tonight and helped guide them to an easy victory.

Loyola dominated the paint early tonight with Freshman Cam Gregory starting out 4-4 from the field. However, the Hawks were able to keep them out of the paint in the second half. Players like Bembry, Brown and Casper kept the Greyhounds from getting the upper hand in the paint. This has been an area that the Hawks have needed work in, and if they can have the consistency that they had in the 2^nd half throughout the rest of the season they will be able to compete much better.

The final five minutes of the first half the Hawks began their turn around, and they took that fire and intensity into the second half of the game. St. Joe’s completely dominated the Greyhounds in the second half, not allowing them to take good shots or get into the paint. DeAndre completely shut down the best player on Loyola Eric Laster the entire game, never allowing him to get into a groove. The team ran the ball a lot more in the second half, and players like Demery and Bembry were able to thrive. Demery was able to throw down several times on the defense of Loyola. The Hawks Point Guards helped the team glide to victory Demery would end the game with 7pts, and Wilson with 13pts. If the team can get production from all of these pieces they will be able to compete.

Bembry played like a completely different; he played like a true future NBA player. If Coach Martelli can get the intensity and fire from Bembry and the rest of this team they will compete with any team this season. Coach Martelli seemed much happier tonight with his squad and at one point he could be seen smiling on the sidelines when Casper came into the game. If this team can stay loose and hot they will be able to make a run for the rest of this season.

-Brett

itunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/sports-rants-brett-pants/id934063452?mt=2&uo=4

Saturday, December 6, 2014

Mauled by a Wildcat

Bad basketball… That is all I have to say. This is no longer a rivalry; this is just pure domination on the part of Villanova. It’s time to be honest, Big Five basketball rivalries no longer exist, sure LaSalle and Temple still go at it pretty strong as well as Temple and SJU but Villanova is far beyond any team in the “Big Five.” I think it is official time to say this rivalry is not alive. Villanova students view the Saint Joseph’s Basketball team like they are a joke. They see us as just an opportunity to beat up on the school down Lancaster Avenue. Nova just purely dominated SJU and this was not the first time. The past two meeting Villanova has defeated the Hawks by a combined 58pts. They have won twice in the past ten years. Overall, the Holy War has brought bad basketball. Before the game, there was not a person expecting the Hawks to compete with Villanova. Villanova is 8-0 and ranked 10^th in the country. Nova has a tremendous chance to be in the top 5 by the end of the season. Villanova has made it known recently that they are one the best teams in the country, none the less Philadelphia. But, this game was just terrible basketball and sad to watch for any St. Joe’s fan.

This game did not have many positives to take from it, as Coach Geoff Arnold said this was going to be a learning experience for these young guys. Though a learning experience this game was just tough to watch all around. The team looked as if they were not ready for the big stage against Villanova. Youth got the best of the Hawks today. It’s tough to win games when your best player is going 5-15 from the field with 13pts, and your “ESPN Top Performer” is a walk on player named Brendan Casper. In all honesty, Casper was the best Hawk out on the court today.

Casper played 20 strong minutes with 9 points and 9 rebounds. The kid made the most of an opportunity and proved himself worthy of some minutes in the near future. Hawks fans were reminded of the play style of Halil. Though Casper played well, the rest of the team did not.

Miles, who was the team’s leading scorer last game and has been playing extremely well struggled, as he was on the court for only 9 minutes and fouled out. That is just unacceptable and he would be the first person to tell you that. There needs to be work done to keep him in the game. Adding to that Javon also only played 9 minutes, the two big men for SJU combined for 18 minutes together.

Freshman Guard Shavar Newkirk has not played well in his first eight games of the season, shooting .233 from the field and today going 0-8. Coach Martelli may need to make some changes in the guard role if he wants the team to become more productive.

As I said before do not be surprised if Maschmeyer receives more minutes by the end of this season. It has been great to see how well the Senior Guard has played on defense.

Aaron Brown once again showed his value scoring 7 points in 24 minutes. This brings up the question if there is going to be changes made in the starting lineup soon.

The team has shown flashes of skill and brilliance throughout the season, however today they just lacked everything. Villanova did not have to worry about today’s game, Coach Wright was already thinking about Illinois. Nova is a great team there is no doubt about it and may be in the championship this season, but SJU embarrassed themselves today. There is a lot to take from this game, and for guys like Miles, Demery, and Newkirk this is a learning experience. It looks as though changes in the lineup will have to be made if Coach Martelli wants to compete this season. #THWND

-Brett

itunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/sports-rants-brett-pants/id934063452?mt=2&uo=4

Friday, December 5, 2014

Villanova

Saint Joseph’s University plays their biggest rival, the Villanova Wildcats this Saturday at 1:00 at the Pavilion. While the Hawks chances of winning are slim, we hope the team can hold their own. Villanova has several players that can easily put up 15 points a game, however instead they choose making a difference in other ways. Last year Pinkston and Arcidiacono were the leaders of the team. This year they are contributing in other ways. They aren’t forced to lead the team. If St. Joes’ plays stride for stride with Villanova, there will be a feeling of accomplishment among the team.

Villanova’s greatest strength is their depth. It is the reason why they are ranked 10^th in the country. Depth allows a basketball team to do more throughout the game. A team with depth is not limited with what they can do. SJU fans are seeing the Hawks develop into team with more depth. The previous game against Temple, Isaiah Miles led the team to a victory. St. Joes’ recruited Miles to do exactly what he did against Temple, pick up offensive rebounds and put them into the hoop. Miles had totaled 9 rebounds. James Demery was recruited as a wing guard to attack the basket with ease. He had clutch shooting that propelled the Hawks to victory against LIU Brooklyn. The team is developing better than expected. As the season progresses, we will see more players making bigger contributions to the team like Miles and Demery has.

It is great to see that DeAndre Bembry does not have to lead the team or play at top of his game. Number 43 on the Hawks was not guarded by the opposing team’s top defender last season like he is this season. Bembry is not going to be putting up 20 plus points consistently. DeAndre only has put up more than 20 points two out of the seven games this season. Other players are picking up the slack from Bembry’s struggle to perform. Even though Bembry is not putting up as many points as many

experts thought, DeAndre is making a difference in other ways. He is averaging the most assists per game on the team.

The Hawks can contend against Villanova. In order for Bembry and the rest squad to have a chance they have to perform at the top of their ability on Saturday to have a chance. No matter how it ends, they will grow together. We are seeing the team form an identity.

-Pants

Half Hour Hawks - Geoff Arnold - Discusses the Villanova Rivalry with us

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itunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/sports-rants-brett-pants/id934063452?mt=2&uo=4

Thursday, November 27, 2014

Flying Slow...

I have to be honest, I wasn't expecting the greatest season by the Hawks. Yes, I thought for sure they would be competitive and possibly punch a ticket to March. With a player like DeAndre Bembry how could you not think that they had a chance? However, it pains me to watch this team play as of late. Phil Martelli’s squad is in the bottom 300 for NCAA teams in ppg, the has lost to two easily beatable teams, and now they have a tough schedule the next few days. This may be a bad few weeks for Saint Joseph’s.

This team has potential; however they just have not lived up to it lately. They are struggling hard and not producing on the offensive side of the basketball at all. A team cannot be successful if they are ranked 318^th in the NCAA in points per game. It is impossible for a team to win games if they are not scoring and this has just been bad of late. The Hawks have only broken 70pts once this season and that was when the team went to overtime. The Hawks also fall at 326^th in the league for field goal percentage as well. A team will not win games if they are not hitting their shots and if they are not scoring baskets. This so far has been the main problem for this Martelli’s team. If they want to start competing they will have to get their points per game up.

SJU has lost to two teams that experts would say were easily beatable. St. Joe’s has now brought their record to 3-3, a record that should be 5-1. Losing to FDU was a tough pill to swallow, however losing to WKU is even tougher to take. This team should have won these two games, there is not a doubt in my mind or many experts minds as well. The team lost today by 3pts after an atrocious start, and they lost by 1pt against FDU. Two teams that do not have a winning record, that is inexcusable. The Gonzaga loss was expected from this team, Gonzaga is one of the best teams in the country and SJU truly did not have a chance going in. But, I will say again they should easily be 5-1 this season going into the Temple game.

After, a tough loss tonight the Hawks have to go into a tough rivalry week ahead of them. Wednesday they take on a much underrated Temple team. Temple is a team that has played extremely well this season even though there were low expectations going in. Temple lost to UNLV a few days ago however they played very well. They kept UNLV to only 57pts throughout the game, playing very strong defense. The 3-2 Owls will play a very good game against the Hawks, and Martelli has to start game planning. After, Temple the Hawks will take on their archrival the Villanova Wildcats. The 5-0 Villanova team has been playing unbelievable as of late. They have truly earned their #12 ranking in the country. This will most likely be a blow out for the Hawks team. I do not foresee them being able to out play the high Nova offense. With two very tough games coming up, SJU fans have to stay positive.

The Hawks have struggle this season. They have not played up to what many expected, even though that was not much. The team has talent and has skill, they just need to show it and play it out. If there is any positive to take out of the team from late it is how well DeAndre has played. Bembry has scored 23, 17, and 22 in the team’s last three games of the season. Bembry will be the one constant with this team for this season. Expect big things out of this team in the future; however don’t expect great play anytime soon. If this team can put the points on the board they will be able to compete and they will be a top team in the A-10.

-Brett