The great debate rages on

In case you guys haven't checked it out, The Broad Street Journal, another blog that I write for, has been running a debate about the greatest athlete in Philadelphia sports.

Be sure to check it out.

The stage is set for Villanova

This is a sore point for me, as I'd love to watch Villanova run the table and bring the city a national title. But to do so they have to knock off my alma mater Monmouth in Round 1. Sure Monmouth is a 16 seed, but I still dare to dream.

Realistically, Villanova has a great shot to win it all, and have toppled some great competition this year. If healthy, look for the Wildcats' to contend deep into the tourney.

Also congratulations to Penn for taking the Ivy League title.

Go 'Nova (except on Friday).

Technorati Tags:Villanova,Monmouth,Penn

Chaney exits with dignity intact

Congratulations and many thanks to John Chaney who officially resigned his head coaching position at Temple University today. With the Owls' overtime loss to Akron in the first round of the NIT, a game in which Chaney skipped to be with his ailing wife, his Hall of Fame career came to a close.

Throughout 34 years (the last 24 at Temple), Chaney racked up 741 wins. Though he went to the NCAA Tournament 17 times, the Owls never advanced past the Elite Eight.

A two time national coach of the year, Chaney was a true leader. He saw the value of his players lives outside of basketball, and taught 18-year-old boys how to become 22-year-old men.

Thanks for the memories Coach Chaney.

Technorati Tags:John Chaney,Temple,NCAA

No longer the "Answer?"

For years, the Philadelphia 76ers with Allen Iverson have been a decent team with mid-level draft picks, and no real chance at a title, save for 2000-2001. Excitement has always been promised, and usually delivered, but the end result is always the same. Once again, this season is no different, with a notable exception, attendance.

The 76ers are ranked 22nd in home attendance, behind such world-class organizations at the Hornets, Clippers, Warriors and Raptors. However, on the road they are ranked 5th, a stat that tells us the AI show is evidently more popular off Broad Street.

Like any form of entertainment, after a little while, the same dog and pony show gets boring. People will put aside winning for the potential of a bright future in the beginning, but after a while, victories become the answer. Such is now the case for the Sixers.

But AI is no longer the "Answer" for USA basketball either. Admirably, AI was one of the few top-flight players who longed to suit up for the red, white and blue. But realistically, team USA is not about selling tickets, sneakers and jerseys.

AI has been a maestro for years at marketing himself even though he's been mired in a situation where winning hasn't been the constant. But for USA basketball, Iverson just doesn't have the game it's going to take. Cooperative and unselfish are words seldom used to describe AI, but are traits of the players who Team USA needs to be competitive on the world scale.

Last week, Howard Eskin, of 610 WIP, brought up the possibility that by the 2008 games, AI will be too old and that's why he's not on the invite list. Huh, then why would Bruce Bowen be invited when he'll be 37? AI will only be 33.

Another point brought up on WIP in the morning was that possibly Team USA officials were afraid that if they invited him and had to cut him, it would hurt his feelings. What!?! Sorry, but that's just not an excuse.

What the USA needs are players with no names on their jerseys going out there and opening a can of "Made in the USA" whoop-ass. I watched the Italian National team take on many countries in the summer of 2005 and, sadly, AI just wouldn't be able to lead a team into battle against those guys. They are a cohesive team, not a 1-on-5 glory squad.

Whereas AI is not the "Answer" when it comes to winning in the NBA or taking home an Olympic gold medal, he continues to be one of the bigger draws in basketball, at least away from home.

Technorati Tags:76ers,Allen Iverson,Team USA

Eagles dreams partly lie within

As the city still comes to grips with the embarrassing 6-10 post-Super Bowl season that was 2005, people need not worry. The results of the tumultuous season are not lasting, and the Eagles could easily regain their rightful place on the perch of the NFC East.

With all of the free agency talk of late, it's hard to imagine that the Eagles won't pounce on a major free agent. Their defense needs some strengthening up, and their offense needs a little tweaking, plus a running back who can truly rush.

In addition, the Eagles could help to right the ship from within. Andy Reid's play calling was atrocious last season, and became the easiest thing to read since "Fun with Dick and Jane." Shake it up a bit big fella, passing is not always the answer. Also, the Birds were plagued with injuries at key positions all year. You throw Philly's top guys in at most of the offensive spots, and the wheels on the bus start moving.

Wide receiver is a concern, but it shouldn't be the biggest. The Eagles need a quality running back in the worst way. Brian Westbrook is decent and has world class hands, but the Eagles cannot run it up the middle of the field with him, and need to acquire the thunder to go with his lightning.

All in all though, the Eagles are not in terrible shape for a team coming off of a 6-10 season.

Technorati Tags:Eagles,Free Agency,NFL

Flourishing Phillies spreading spring fever

Sunshine. Warmth. Laced leather hurtling through the air at 90 mph. Yes, it's Spring Training, and the Phillies are off to the best start (4-0) of all the teams in the Grapefruit League. Is it due to the top players in baseball taking a leave of absence to play in the World Baseball Classic, or is Philadelphia really this good?

Probably it's a mixture of both. The Phillies record won't be gaudy this season at all. With a consistently weak rotation, little to no pop at the plate and players who look something like Robin Williams's character in "Deconstructing Harry," Philly's future rests on guys stepping up and playing above their averages.

For now, we'll have to play a game of wait and see. The strong spring start gives hope, but it holds little importance to the outcome of the regular season.

Technorati Tags:Phillies,Spring Training,MLB