THOUGHTFUL THURSDAY By: Kevin Cottrell, Jr. Thursday 5-4 In the world of sports, we as fans and observers of world-class athletes tend to hold them on a "larger than life" plateau. For instance, Michael Jordan is known for defying gravity, Barry Bonds is known for perfecting the art of hand-eye coordination, and most recently Tiger Woods is known for defeating any golf course in the world. Its true that their athletic ability makes them larger than life in the eyes of the casual fan, but the one thing that they all have in common is that at the height of their careers they've suffered the loss of their teacher and best friend in their fathers. Wednesday morning Earl Woods lost a battle with prostate cancer at his home with Tiger by his side. In the case of Jordan and Bonds they both responded with great performances being inspired by the lost of their fathers, and its safe to say that Tiger will do the same. But for now its times like these that remind the casual fan that our favorite athletes are still human. NFL DRAFT 101 Over the course of four years, student-athletes are faced with the task of balancing their schoolwork, with their work on a football field. Then one must study, to pass tests both in the classroom and on the field. Upon completion they are then rewarded with hearing their name called, their slow-motion walk across the stage being greeted by none other than the commissioner of the NFL. Sure this sounds like graduation but the difference is, your job is guaranteed. Now that NFL execs have had the opportunity to study game film of players, test them in combines and pro days, followed by choosing individuals to join their organizations, I will assume the role of professor and hand out final grades to the NFL winners and losers of the draft. WINNERS • CARDINALS- Matt Leinart, QB USC, Deuce Lutui, OG USC, Leonard Pope, TE UGA, and Gabriel Watson, DT Michigan. Leinart and Pope may have been the final additions to a young and potentially high-powered offense. There selections were impressive because they were also able to address needs on both the offensive and defensive line. By mid-season the Cards will be a team that most will not want to face. GRADE: A • PATRIOTS- Laurence Maroney, RB Minnesota, Chad Jackson, WR Florida, and Stephen Gostkowski, PK Memphis. If one has ever wondered how a team like the Patriots are always viewed as contenders, then here's your answer. Maroney is one of the most dynamic backs in the draft posses the ability to run between the tackles and catch balls out of the backfield. Jackson was by far the best receiver in the draft, and for him to fall to the Pats has to be answers to Tom Brady prayers. As for Gostkowski, although he can't totally replace Adam Vinatieri, he did connect on all 10 attempts of 40+ yards in 2005. GRADE: B • EAGLES- Winston Justice, OT USC, Broderick Bunkley, DT FSU, Jeremy Bloom, Return Specialist Colorado, and Jason Avant, WR Michigan. Justice will look to learn left tackle immediately to upgrade the "O" line. As for Bunkley he will bring youth, and tenacity to an aging defense. Bloom can provide a spark on special teams getting the eagles in great field position. As for Avant, he was definitely a steal. He has great hands, and runs crisp routes. Although he's no "T.O." he does add to McNabb's weapons. GRADE: B LOSERS • TEXANS- Mario Williams, DE NCSU, DeMecco Ryans, OLB Alabama, Charles Spencer, OG Pitt, Eric Watson, OT Miami. With all due respect to Mr. Williams, the Houston will have a "Texas" sized problem this fall since they passed up on Reggie Bush. Sure Williams has drawn comparison to Jevon Kearse and Julius Peepers but the last time I checked they don't score touchdowns. With rising stars in WR Andre Johnson, and QB David Carr, the missing link may have been Bush. As a result they have made no progress towards its future, and when you lose as frequent as Houston the future is now. GRADE: D • BEARS- Danieal Manning, S Abilene Christian, Devin Hester, Return Specialist Miami. After last postseasons embarrassing loss to the hands of the Panthers, its obvious that the Bears needed to enhance the DB position. With the free agent signing of Ricky Manning, Jr. it seemed as if the Bears were addressing that concern. But after trading out of the first round it boggles my mind as to why the Bears wouldn't draft an effective tight end. The selection of Devin Hester was key in adding a playmaker on special teams, but it does not help their offensive woes. GRADE: D+ 2006 NBA Playoffs Thus far the NBA playoffs have reminded us why "We Love This Game." 5 out of the 8 playoff series must go at least 6 games for a winner to be decided. Physical play from the '80's has returned with 4 suspensions due to physical play, along with 4 fines. Below is detailed analysis of each series, and even some bold predictions...in other words just my opinion. Western Conference (1) Spurs vs. (8) Kings- The Spurs began the series 2-0 proving to the league why they are defending champs. Behind the tenacious "D" of Ron Artest and passionate play of Bonzi Wells the Kings responded by tying the series at 2-2. Game 5 was a dogfight but in the end the Spurs prevailed. Look for the Spurs to closeout the Kings in game 6 in true championship fashion. (2) Suns vs. (7) Lakers- With Phoenix playing top-notch ball during the regular season many felt as if the Suns would burn the Lakers in 5. But as many soon found out the Lakers were the ones with a chance to close out Phoenix in 5. But the Suns felt as if they needed to make a statement with physical play however that philosophy may have worked against them. Raja Bell has been suspended for game 6, but with or without Raja look for Kobe and the Lakers to set the Suns. (3) Nuggets vs. (6) Clippers- Many thought that it was great for the Clippers to have made the playoffs. But just being there wasn't good enough for the "other" L.A. team. Behind the play of Elton Brand, and Sam "I Am" the Clippers proved that the regular season was no fluke. L.A. managed to clip Denver in 5. Now the Clippers await the "other" L.A. team. (4) Mavericks vs. (5) Grizzles- The new look Mavs have proven that their defense is just as good as their offense, having swept the Grizzles in the first round. Behind the star power of Dirk Nowitzki the Mavericks having proving that their run for a World Title is one that should be taken serious. But then again the Grizzles have never won a playoff game in team history. Eastern Conference (1) Pistons vs. (8) Bucks- The Pistons have been on a mission since they lost in game 7 versus San Antonio in '05. There goal was to win 16 games this post season and after thrashing the Bucks in 5, the Pistons just have 12 more wins to go. (2) Heat vs. (7) Bulls- Miami open the series 2-0 down in Dade County, but when the series shifted to Chicago so did the momentum. With the series tied 2-2 Miami knew that game 5 was a must win. After a 3-quarter battle the Heat were able to close out the Bulls to turn game 6 into elimination game for Chicago. The only thing is Miami has never beaten the Bulls in Chicago in playoff history. It's a good thing game 7 will be in Wade County. (3) Nets vs. (6) Pacers- This series has been the playoff shocker in my eyes. The Nets began the series falling short at the hands of Jermaine O'Neal. But with the series eventually being knotted at 6, Vince Carter put the Nets on his back as New Jersey defeated Indiana to put the Pacers back up against the wall. With the Nets leading the series 3-2, and Peja being sidelined with an injury, look for New Jersey to cut down the Nets in game 6 with a victory. (4) Cavaliers vs. (5) Wizards- With "King" James entering his first playoff game and the Cavs' entering there first playoff series in 8 years, the city of Cleveland was happy with that, but LeBron and the "James Gang" was not content with a playoff berth. After putting on a spectacular triple-double performance, James reminded us of his age by posting 10 turnovers to complete a second triple-double (actually 1 assist shy) in as many games. But with the game on the line in game 5 LeBron proved why he was worthy of the MVP award by taking the game into his hands and gracefully driving to the cup to win the game in O.T. Ironically enough in regulation he missed a possible game winning shot, again reminding us of his age. Nevertheless the Cavs' must close out the Wizards in game 6. VENTZ • Recently PGA golfer, John Daly stated that he has lost between $50-$60 million gambling, and NBA legend Charles Barkley followed suit by stating that he lost about $10 million gambling. I know that they have a problem but WHO CARES? In order for a guy to lose that much money, one must have that much to gamble off in the first place. I don't have pity for one's stupidity. • Major League Baseball has stated that they will not celebrate Bonds passing Ruth on the all-time home run list. Now the league has stated that they will not authenticate home run ball #715. Its funny how Bonds is being black balled by a sport that he helped bring back to life. It would be perfect for Barry to smack home run #715 in Milwaukee this week-end (the team Commissioner Selig once owned) and at the completion of touching all four bases simply exiting the stadium and never coming back. Then we'll see how many fans follow the sport. • In this past weekends NFL Draft a name that is known but was not heard was Marcus Vick, brother of Falcons QB Michael Vick. Even when the Falcons decided to use their seventh round pick on a QB they decided to choose the UGA bred Shockley over the namesake of Vick. Yes, he's had trouble both on and off the field, and yes, he's very talented but at the end of the day one's character often trumps their talents. Just ask Latrell Sprewell. I guess nepotism isn't effective after all.