Eagles Pre-Training Camp Thoughts

With players reporting for Philadelphia Eagles training camp on July 25^th the start of their season is sooner than later. Last year was the first year that Eagles’ training camp was in Philadelphia since 1943 in which it was being held at Saint Joseph’s University. Last year was also the first year that Chip Kelly was the head coach. It is hard to believe that it has only been one season that Andy Reid has not been around in Philadelphia. It feels like forever ago because so much has changed during the new Chip Kelly regime.

Chip Kelly is a coach that knows exactly what he wants and has changed everything from the food in the cafeteria to the tempo of practice. More than anything he has changed the culture. This team is extremely likable. There is not one player that could even be remotely bothersome. Besides not having any baggage that come along with any of the players they are also one of the most talented teams in quite a few years. Looking back on the teams with Andy Reid it almost seems as if they had a fake sense of professionalism. 

The entire Eagles coaching staff is back for another year with the exception of Bill Lazor. Lazor was the Eagles’ QB coach who is now the offensive coordinator of the Dolphins. It is beneficial for the Eagles that their defensive and the offensive coordinator are back for consecutive years. After a year of playing in the system the entire Eagles’ defense is now adjusted to the 3-4 and everybody knows their role. They should be able to play as a more cohesive unit and be more effective. 

On the offensive side of the ball, there is no starting QB controversy. The fans and the organization are confident in Nick Foles’ ability under center. This year we will no longer see the agony of Riley Cooper doing screens. Maclin, Matthews, and Huff are much more proficient with screens. Like any spread offense in the screens will be a staple of the Eagles offense even more this coming season. Foles will spread the ball out to different receivers more than last year. Each player will have relatively similar total of yards. The opposing defense will not know who they will cover, that is if they can.

There are not many coaches to make the jump from college to the NFL. Chip Kelly and Pete Carroll are the rare few. During Pete Carroll’s 3^rd NFL season he won the Superbowl. So does that mean the Eagles have two are one more season away before their Superbowl season? Last season the only playoff team the Eagles faced was the Packers and it was without their starting QB. The Eagles starting players will be the mostly the same as last year except for Jackson. This way the young players that they drafted are able to develop without being rushed. Of course this is barring any injury or suspension. The newly drafted players of the Eagles will see valuable playing time though through being role players. The goal is by the end of the season comes around they will be getting more minutes because their role has grown as their play does.
-Glen

Ronald Roberts Jr. is NBA ready

Since Ronald Roberts Jr. did not get drafted, he is forced to take the long road to the NBA. Every player in the summer leagues is trying to prove that they are worth having on the team and scrapping for that last spot. During Roberts Jr. senior year with the Hawks, his production was never consistent throughout his senior year. Even if NBA scouts did take notice of him, he did not keep their attention. Everybody, including NBA scouts wonder if he is more than just a freak athlete. It is already known that he plays hard, rebounds, and dunks. Not too belittle what he is great at, but that might not be enough.

Throughout the six games of the Orlando Summer League the NBA is seeing what Saint Joes fans have seen for past four years: one handed dunks, put back dunks, and a rebounding machine. During those games he consistently showed his high energy effort. It is also evident that he was a four year college due to his maturity and smartness. It did look as if he had it easy because he was playing alongside Nerlens Noel. But then he played center in place of him for two games and dominated. During the title game which Noel was on bench for, Roberts had a double-double of 12 points and 11 rebounds. Ronald Roberts Jr. helped the 76ers to win the Orlando Championship League with an average of 10 points and 6.8 rebounds.

It was strange watching him in a uniform other than a Hawks’. Because the Sixers want to develop young promising players, Roberts has a great chance of making the team. The athleticism that Philadelphia 76ers like is there for Ronald being 6’8” tall, 225 pounds, possessing a 7’1” wingspan. The 76ers are a fast pace team, which Roberts is able to run the court with ease. He also does not have a good outside shot which another standard of theirs. But one reason they may not be so high on him is that he is able to play right away because he is not injured nor has a contract overseas.

During the two summer leagues everybody is fighting for a roster spot on an NBA team. With that being said he played harder than every player on the court. His high energy effort and play made him a fan favorite quickly. He is this year’s Khaliff Wyatt. Let’s just hope the Sixers stick with him. Ronald Roberts Jr. could join the long list of 6’8” strong and physical effort players that play a key role of dominating skinny 6’10” kids around. He would give an NBA team toughness, energy, and athleticism off the bench at the 4. If he does not end up on an NBA team’s final roster he will definitely be able to make 6 figures overseas.

The former number 13 for SJU Hawks proved that he can play at the NBA level on a regular basis. After his showing during the Sixers’ championship run during the Orlando Summer League Roberts should be invited to 76ers training camp. There are other teams interested in Ronald if the Sixers are not as he is now suiting up for the Miami Heat in Las Vegas Summer League.

-Glen

Jameer Back In Philly?

Everyone in Philadelphia remembers Jameer Nelson's years from high school to college. Nelson was "the little man from the little school beating everybody." Throughout his basketball career the former number 14 for Saint Joseph's accomplished the most in Philadelphia. He led SJU to the elite eight of the NCAA tournament during their undefeated season and was the Atlantic 10 conference Player of the Year in 2004. And he could continue that success if he comes back to Philadelphia and would have more than enough fans. He continues to give back to the community he grew up in. Recently, he had a gym dedicated to by the YMCA because of his dedication of giving back to his hometown.  

Jameer Nelson has recently been waived from the Orlando Magic. Where he had a long and outstanding career with the team that drafted him. It has been 10 years already since Nelson had his first game with his Magic squad, a team that looks very different today than they did back then. Jameer would’ve been set to rejoin the team this season being the oldest player on the team, no longer in the prime of his career. By waiving Nelson Orlando is saving money and able to get younger. And they also no longer have a reason to keep him on the roster after trading for PG Elfrid Payton. The former SJU Hawk and former All-Star still has a lot to prove and a lot to give to a NBA team. Nelson is a veteran in the league and is able to be a team leader; especially, with a young team in the locker room. That’s where many are now saying the 76ers may come into play. 

General Manager of the Magic had this to say about Jameer Nelson:

“Jameer (Nelson) is the ultimate professional, We truly thank him for his contributions to the organization, both on the court and in the community, during the last decade. He will always be a member of the Magic family.”

Jameer who is a Chester native has always dreamed of playing for his hometown squad. Nelson has been a very solid and productive player over his last 10 years with the Magic, making it to 1 All-Star game, as well as being named to the All-Rookie team in his first year. Nelson has always been a key part of the Magic team, he can score big numbers when needed, but he is always willing to be the guy to pass first in a situation. Nelson has never wanted the attention or to be the star of the team, and that type of attitude is one that the Sixers could use on their squad. Bringing a veteran in like Jameer could help the young guys like MCW, like Pierre Jackson. Jameer is guy that players listen too, and can help this Sixers team grow as a whole. Jameer would actually be a perfect fit for this team not only because he can help the younger players, but also due to the fact that he can still play with the best of them.Jameer Nelson is an option that would improve the 76ers. He would not only make the team better, but bring more people to the Wells Fargo Center. Michael Carter-Williams needs another PG to give him rest. Nelson could mentor Carter-Williams through any Sophomore slump he might have. Jameer can still lead a team to victory, and proved it several times last season. A guy like Jameer is someone we need on the Sixers and in Philadelphia.
 
Nelson has enough good play left that he could play for a playoff contending team. He will probably get a one-year contract with those types of teams. While, in Philadelphia it is more likely to get a muli-year deal. Philadelphia also has more money in their disposal than playoff contending teams. Is it really absurd to think that he could become a Sixer? No. It would be to think that the Sixers will have both Nelson and Ronald Roberts Jr. on the team. They would probably be in the same room though at some point if Nelson signs with the Sixers soon.  

The Magic has let go of one of the best point guards they’ve had in decades. Jameer needs a team and Philadelphia would be the perfect fit for him. Nelson wants and needs to come home to Philadelphia, as he already still lives here to this day. Bringing Jameer back to Philadelphia will not only help the Sixers tutor their young players, but he may bring some of that great Hawkhill magic back as well. Jameer has always been a class act of a person and a class act to this city, he is the missing piece for the years to come.The Magic even thanked him with his own billboard on his way out, that shows how kind of a person Jameer really was. 
-Brett

Wait...Sixers...Wait

                Wait… Just wait, is what Sixers fans are now being told after this year’s draft. This will be another year of the Sixers drafting a guy that will sit out the whole year because of injury. The Sixers are saying they are in this for the long term, but how long is the long term? Will 5 years be enough to finally bring a championship to Philadelphia? This team looks to be in the tanking mode again for next season however the projected top 5 picks are all big men. So it will now be decision time for the Sixers. Here are our thoughts on some of the top picks in the draft. Now let the waiting game begin… Again

  

Joel Embiid 3^rd Overall: 

                What can be said about Joel Embiid except him being the biggest question mark coming into the NBA Draft. Before breaking his foot, and injury that many say is the death of a big man in the NBA; Joel Embiid was expected to be the first overall pick to the Cleveland Cavaliers. This would have set up Andrew Wiggins right in the hands of the Sixers. However, injury concerns had Embiid the quote on quote best player in the draft fall right to the Sixers. This could be a blessing in disguise for the Sixers, if and only if Embiid is able to return to his star form. Embiid can reach stardom in the NBA, and he has the abilities to score, play defense, and rebound like no one to play on the Sixers before. However, this all depends on if he can get back to his college form. We will have to wait another long year to see “the best player in the draft” play for the Sixers. With Nerlens Noel now back in action with the Sixers, him and Embiid could be a dynamic duo for years to come. Even if Embiid cannot reach that star form, but Nerlens does all Embiid really needs to be is an above average NBA player and he will be able to help this team to a championship in 5 or so years.

Dario Saric 12^th Overall (Trade with Oralndo): 

                If you thought Embiid was a question mark, this is an even bigger one. Dario Saric is a Croatian basketball star, and that’s right folks we won’t see him for two years. Saric has signed a contract to play in Croatia for the next two years and could be even longer. Honestly, this is a pick the Sixers might lose if he decides to stay in his home country. Saric will be coming into Philadelphia with a lot of hate to begin with, not due to the fact of him or his personality or his ability. Simply, he was the guy they wanted and took over highly talented college superstar Doug McDermott. McDermott is one of college basketball’s leading scorers, and Saric is a basic no name out of some foreign country. Let’s be honest again with Saric, no real foreign player who has decided to spend extra years over in Europe after being drafted have ever really been successful. Ricky Rubio is probably the most successful in recent years, and he really hasn’t been a star for the T-Wolves. When Saric gets to Philly, he won’t have to be the star, nor will he have pressure on himself. Saric will just need to be above average and most Philly fans will say he was a good pick. We just need the guy to be a couple time All-Star and put up above average numbers for him to be a piece to this possible championship team.

KJ McDaniels 32^th Overall and Jerami Grant 39^th :               

                These two picks actually may have been two of the NBA Draft steals of the night. Both guys are very talented players coming out of their respected schools. Grant knows how to win, coming from Syracuse and one of the greatest coaches in college history. Grant understands the game at a level that many kids coming out of college to the NBA would not. He is a strong Small Forward with an outstanding 7’2 Wing Span and has the potential to be a big piece to the defense as well as bringing points off the bench for a team that desperately needed that. Grant has expectations to live up to as well, with him being relatives with NBA legend Horace Grant. Jerami Grant has already made himself know in the Philadelphia media, and has the potential to be huge pick-up by the Sixers. KJ McDaniels is another great sleeper for Sam Hinkie. McDaniels is a work in progress on the offensive side of the basketball, however he will receive a lot of playing time next season due to the fact his defense is spectacular. He was one of the best defenders in this year’s draft and could’ve been a top 20 pick. These two guys are sure to get some action next season.

Overall:

                This year’s draft I would rate a B-, due to the fact we will have to wait 3 years to see the Sixers top to picks on the court together. However, the Sixers made it up with their two selections in the second round. Scoring two guys that can help on the defensive side of the ball as well as Grant who can score. The Sixers also picked up Pierre Jackson a pure scorer out of Baylor, though undersized he can potentially be a key scorer on this team, and can put up numbers as well. Vasilije Micic and Jordan McRae were the last two picks for the Sixers in this draft, and honestly they are both NBA ready with the potential to produce for this team. Micic is a big point guard who is worth taking a chance on, and McRae is a guy that needs to beef up but has potential on this team as well. All in all this draft was one that was mainly the second round for this Sixers team. In my opinion the biggest mistake made will be not picking Doug McDermott. The 76ers will regret not picking McDermott for the rest of their lives, but Embiid will be a very productive piece to this team.

-Brett 

Do Y’All Really Believe?

Belgium defeated United States 2-1 to send USA home from the World Cup. It was an exhausting and sad way for it to end. They were eliminated by a country that is barely a country. Belgium could not have even thought of an original flag. It looks just like a modified German flag. Belgium waffles don’t even taste good. Let’s invade Belgium!

Everybody in the world saw Belgium’s goal in the 93^rd minute coming. There was no realistic chance for USA after that point. It appeared that USA’s strategy was to attempt to tire Belgium out by allowing them to play as much offense as they could. If so it was a successful attempt, but a poor strategy. They barely hung on throughout the game but could not gather any offensive momentum. Even though there was a clear winner, they did not quit. The United States had minimal offense until the 110^th minute. The main reason why is because of their lack of quality midfield play. Their wing midfielders were too slow.

The United States will never be known for having sturdy hamstring by the world. They will continue to be known for their overweight citizens. Jozy Altidore played in less than twenty minutes of the World Cup due to pulling his hamstring. Altidore was supposed to command attention by being a physical sole forward up in front of the American attack. Altidore was healthy for Tuesday’s game but was not part of the starting lineup. USA had to use one of their three substitutions on their right defensive back, Fabian Johnson who was also pulled his hamstring. Johnson helped USA’s attack to be more creative and dangerous play. Both Altidore and Johnson’s play was a huge loss. 

American soccer is just like their beer. They are both weak and watered down. Both their beer and players are imported from Germany. I cannot imagine rooting for a soccer team that consistently plays well. A good soccer team almost seems un-American. I am sure all of the Americans who plastered face paint on their face are now regretting it. This amount of love for a team that has a 25% winning percentage throughout their four games of the World Cup. This is great news for the Sixers and Cowboys. USA soccer is Charlie Brown and the rest of the world is Lucy. Hope the world is happy that they beat our low tier athletes. USA should teach soccer to Lebron, Desean Jackson, and Adrian Petereson and dominate the world’s game. The World Cup would then be a breeze. America does not care as much as the rest of the world about soccer. USA beat nations that are obsessed about it. Since we moved onto the round of 16 and do not care, United States is like the spoiled rich bratty girl that gets a car for her Sweet Sixteen. USA does not care. In fact they are just pretended to.

Jesus, I mean Tim Howard saved 16 shots and deserves a purple heart for the most saves in a World Cup game. Howard is the first bald guy with a beard anybody should trust. Without his efforts USA could have easily lost the gamee 6-0. This game was not USA vs BEL it was Tim Howard vs BEL. Tim could not do it all. He had more shots to him than any alcoholic. Howard had more blocks than the Lego Movie. Hockey goalies have had games with less saves than Howard did. It was evident that Timmy executed what the team practiced. Belgium outclassed USA but not Howard. 

That Tim Howard might be a keeper, but his age does not guarantee he will stay around for the next World Cup in 2018. At least USA can guarantee they will be able to be even more competitive during the next World Cup. They have young talent that was being developed this year. 19 year old, Julian Green scored USA’s only goal to keep the game interesting by keeping hope alive with less than 10 minutes remaining in overtime. Julian not only kept USA’s hopes alive in the final minutes but made everybody feel less accomplished. Green is one of many young rising stars. The future is bright. Before the World Cup they were on a 12 game winning streak. America did great getting the round of 16. The United States Soccer 2014 World Cup team is not who the world thought they were. They exceeded expectations and are in the right direction of improving. They got out of a group with teams of Fifa rankings of #2 and #4 in it. USA soccer is bigger than ever. Americans now cannot wait for 2018.