Kentucky's (Could Have Been) 2012 Roster

We all know Kentucky is absolutely loaded. However Coach John Calipari gets guys to go to his schools is of no concern to me (right now). The players are there, and they will continue to be there going forward so just deal with it. I love how he has embraced the NBA's rule of One Year Post High School. He says fine and rolls out McDonald's All-American after McDonald's All-American.

How about his last 5 point guards?

Derrick Rose, Memphis (One and Done, #1 overall pick in 2008 Draft)
Tyreke Evans, Memphis (One and Done, #4 overal pick in 2009 Draft)
John Wall, Kentucky (One and Done, #1 overall pick in 2010 Draft)
Brandon Knight, Kentucky (One and Done, #8 overall pick in 2011 Draft)
Marquis Teague, Kentucky, Freshman

Good Lord. Rose & Evans were both Rookie of the Year, and Rose was last season's MVP... when he would have been a senior at Memphis.

So, clearly all of these point guards would not have followed Coach Cal had the previous guy stayed in school, but take a look at what Kentucky's roster could have looked like this season (and it doesn't count Tyreke Evans who may have transferred a la Scoonie Penn/Jim O'Brien ha).

2011-2012 Ketucky Wildcats

PG John Wall
SG Eric Bledsoe
SF Michael Kidd-Gilchrist
PF Anthony Davis
C DeMarcus Cousins

BENCH:

Brandon Knight
Enes Kanter*
Terrence Jones
Daniel Orton
Marquis Teague
Doron Lamb
Darius Miller

Hey now!

*Kanter committed to Kentucky last season and was set to be a Freshman along with Knight and Jones, but was ruled ineligible. Let's just say they ironed this out for the hypothetical squad.

Not only is this team perhaps the greatest of all time, but they would all be back for NEXT year as well (minus Miller). Just crazy.

Even still, Coach Cal has the most talented team left in the tournament. Will he win his first ever title? I say yes.

-Keefe

Burgundy Is Back

Ron Burgundy has returned! Anchorman 2!

5 Questions With Derrick Favors

I talked with Utah 2nd year big man Derrick Favors prior to the Celtics-Jazz game on Wednesday night at the TD Garden. Here is what the Georgia Tech product and 3rd overall pick in the 2010 draft, who is averaging 8.7 points and 5.9 rebounds had to say.

1. You guys have one of the best benches in the league (5th in bench scoring), is that something you take a lot of pride in?

Favors: Yeah it is. As one of the players coming of the bench, I think that when Al and Paul and other starters come out the game it’s up to us to keep the tempo going and to try to provide a spark for whenever the starters come back in.

2. It’s a great playoff race out West, I think you’re as close to moving up to the 4 seed as you are from potentially missing the playoffs all together. Are you a guy who checks other scores and is always looking at the standings?

Favors: I’m not. I’m pretty sure some of the other players are, but I’m not. I’m just coming out playing.

3. Is it starting to feel like a playoff atmosphere as the year winds down?

Favors: Yeah definitely out in the West. We are all fighting for the playoff spots, so it’s getting crazy out there.

4. You’ve been pretty dominant at home (19-6) but have struggled on the road (8-17), any reason you can think of for that?

Favors: I mean you win some you lose some. We just got to go out there and keep fighting, trying to improve our road record.

5. How do you think you’ve grown as a player here early in your career, and has it helped playing with Paul [Millsap] and Al [Jefferson]?

Favors: Yeah I mean just being patient in the post, and just how to approach the game, and being ready to play every night.

-Keefe

Rich Keefe on 98.5 The Sports Hub All Week

Rich Keefe will once again be hosting The D.A. Show on 98.5 The Sports Hub in Boston all this week (3/19-3/23). Catch it from 6:00-11:00pm.

Listen Here: CBSBostonSports

Or download the "Radio.com" app.

Call in: (617) 779-0985 or Text: 69985.

The Dark Knight Rises Preview

We are roughly 4 months away (July 20 release) from The Dark Knight Rises, the 3rd installment in the Christopher Nolan, Batman Series. Honestly, I am consciously optomistic about it. Batman Begins was great, The Dark Knight was even better, therefore the stakes are high.

Anne Hathaway as Catwoman? Doesn't sound good on paper, but neither did Heath Ledger as The Joker. Bane is the lead bad guy (no Joker), how will that play out? Either way I'm in.



-Keefe

Awesome celebration by Paul Casey's caddy

I'm still watching the Doral on The Golf Channel, waiting for this small bout of constipation to pass. Paul Casey aced the 15th hole. There's a giant car on the back of the tee box, and his caddy went nuts thinking they'd just won...a new car!!! Only, he didn't realize the car promotion is only good for the 13th hole par-3. Poor guy. His celebration is a classic, but his reaction when Casey tells him the bad news is even better. Check it out:

Johnson Wagner's mustache

Johnson Wagner is playing with Rory McIlroy today at the Doral. That's the only reason I know who this guy is. He just rolled onto the 1st tee with one of the most captivating mustaches I've ever seen. Unprecedented. Is he the only guy with a mustachio on the tour? This thing is as good as it gets.

Trying to understand the Colts and Redskins

Update 3/11/12, 11:39am: According to ESPN's dynamic duo of Chris Mortensen and Adam Schefter, sources close to Manning say he's narrowed his choices to Denver and Arizona. Suprised that Miami isn't a bigger contender, but Denver would be interesting. Catch the story here: http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/7672173/2012-free-agency-peyton-manning-favors-denver-broncos-arizona-cardinals-sources-say

As I sit here on Sunday morning in San Francisco, watching golf and waiting for this brief bout with constipation to end, I thought it was the perfect time to sum up some thoughts from conversations with folks this week regarding the Colts and Redskins and their bold moves in recent days.

At face value, a lot of people questioned the moves by both teams - the Colts releasing 14-year veteran and arguably the greatest QB of his era, Peyton manning, and the Redskins trading three 1st rounds picks (2012 - 2014) and a 2nd-round pick to move up four spots in the 2012 draft for RG3. I'm here to tell you why I agree with the Colts decision and disagree with the Redskins, and why I find the timing of both moves ironic. I'll start with the Colts.

I get why a lot of people think it's a stupid move. Manning is one of the best in the game, has been the QB for the last 14 years, and their now banking on Andrew Luck being their (successful) franchise QB for the next 10-15 seasons. It's a huge risk. Luck isn't a lock. He hasn't taken an NFL snap. And aside from his neck, which has been medically cleared by doctors, there's no reason to think Manning's skills have diminished.

But let's not forget that the Colts were on the hook for $28 million with Manning. And that was just a one-year option. He turns 36 this year, and while he could easily play into his 40's, you just don't know. Yet 15 years ago, the Colts were coming on a 3-13 season, in need of a franchise QB. They selected Manning as their man. And while they easily could have stuck with Manning to remain competitive in the next few years, look at what's around him. He doesn't have a great backfield anymore - Addai can't stay healthy and productive, the other guys suck - and the defense is getting old and remains unreliable. It was the perfect time to clean house, start over, and rebuild like they did 15 years ago. Manning went 3-13 in his first year, then 13-3 in 1999 after the Colts trade Marshall Faulk to the Rams and drafted Edgerrin James in the 1st round. Not to say Luck will follow a similar path, but the Colts now will have their QB at a much lower price, especially given the rookie salary cap in place, and can begin their rebuilding process. You have to believe they'll have a high pick in 2013, so they can add another important piece, such as a top-flight RB, to help compliment Luck in 2013 and beyond.

Meanwhile, I think the best spot for Manning is naturally Miami. He lives there in the offseason and will have some great weapons around him with Brandon Marshall and Davone Bess at WR, and Reggie Bush and Daniel Thomas in the backfield. The Dolphins lack a legit TE weapon, an asset Manning has always enjoyed having, but perhaps he'll make a guy like Anthony Fasano better than what he's been.

The Broncos and Cardinals are also interesting choices. Denver could bring in Manning and instantly become a Super Bowl contender. The team made the AFC Divisional playoffs with a brutal offense under Tim Tebow. The Broncos are built on defense. But with Manning at QB, that team suddenly becomes well-rounded with the ability to produce proficiently on both sides of the ball. And in the long-term, Tebow can learn from one of the greats for a few years, grow as a QB, then move back under center when Manning moves on. At that point, you have to believe given Tebow's work ethic and penchant for winning, that he'll become a legitimate threat on the ground and through the air that can keep a winning tradition in Denver once Manning moves on.

For the Cardinals, Manning would give Larry Fitzgerald a competent human being to throw him the ball. Fitz is the best WR in the game, hands down (or up, however you want to look at it). Beanie Wells can run the rock, and that would be a nice trio competing in the NFC West. While the emergence of the 49ers makes that division more competitive, it's still up for the taking.

I think the decision by the Colts was a bold one, but it benefits the franchise, Manning, and the NFL in the long run. The Colts can rebuild, Manning can start fresh and finish his career with a team he hand picks, make them a contender, and bring hope to that franchise while shifting the axis of power in the NFL. Chances are, the AFC or NFC will have a new team competing at the top of the heap that hasn't been there in some time. The Dolphins, Broncos and Cardinals all fit the mold.

That's where I find the Redskins situation an interesting one. Was this team not the perfect fit to court Manning? Rex freaking Grossman was the quarterback. Disgusting. Why not sign Manning, albeit for $28 million, put him in the same division as Eli, ride him for a few years and grab a young QB that you can season under his leadership to take over when he's done? Instead, they've traded 2012 draft picks with the Rams, given them their 1st round picks in 2013 and 2014 and a 2nd rounder in there just to draft RG3. In that division, he's probably not going to find consistent success for a few years when he's seasoned and groomed. Even Cam Newton, perhaps the best young, talented QB in the NFL right now, isn't finding consistently winning to be easy in the NFL. Yet the Redskins can't use draft picks in the next couple years to add any pieces around RG3. Why do you ask? Because they traded them away!

Meanwhile, the Rams should be expelled from the NFL if they aren't winning by 2015. If you can't make it work with all those 1st round picks you have now, that's just awful.

Alright I'm done. Still constipated.

-Bess

5 Questions With Gerald Wallace

I talked to Portland forward Gerald Wallace prior to the Celtics-Trail Blazers game on Friday night at the Garden. Here is what the Alabama alum and former All-Star, who is averaging 13.7 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 2.9 assists had to say.

1. You have a long history of facing Paul Pierce, what is that match up like?

Wallace: It’s always intense. You know he is going to get the bulk of the offense. The offense is always going to move through him. You’re always on your toes, they’re going to call a lot of plays for him. The offense mainly goes through him. So you have to get up for it and be prepared for it.

2. As a versatile guy you’ll probably be matched up with Kevin Garnett as well. At this stage of his career are you surprised that he’s still playing at the level he is?

Wallace: No I’m not. I think that guys that are his type evolve with the time. And he has done a great job of evolving his game to where he’s able to knock down an 18 to 20 foot shot on the screen and roll. His defense is still there because he’s nearly 7 feet tall, so that’s always gonna be a presence and he keeps himself in great shape.

3. With the trade deadline next Thursday, does that change the atmosphere in the locker room at all?

Wallace: No what they got to do has nothing to do with us going out on the floor and playing, it’s got nothing to do with us. It doesn’t change anything, we still got to play. Our main thing is we got to get a win, we need to go out and win.

4. You guys are on your longest road trip of the year, this is night 2 of a 7 game trip, and you haven’t played well on the road [5-13] is there any particular reason you can pinpoint for that?

Wallace: I mean you can pinpoint any kind of reason you want. Our main thing is we have to improve and get better, and right now we haven’t did that so far this season. So we got to come out with something and figure something out.

5. You got a player option for next year, have you thought about that yet?

Wallace: No comment. No comment.

-Keefe

3 Celtics Trades That (Probably) Won't Happen

The NBA Trade Deadline is just a week from tomorrow. It also marks the 1 year anniversary (on the NBA calender) of the miserable Kendrick Perkins to the Thunder deal. I'm still not over it. In my defense, I HATED it at the time and even spent 5 hours on 98.5 The Sports Hub that night explaining how bad the move was and that Danny was hinging his playoff hopes (the team was atop the East at the time) on two injured, old centers named O'Neal. At least Jeff Green fit in well.

But anyway, the Celtics (20-17) have just 29 games left to play in this shorten 66 game regular season. And after a slow start and multiple losing streaks, they find themselves playing for 1st place in the Atlantic Division against the Philadelphia 76ers tonight and an automatic Top 4 Seed (avoid Miami and Chicago in Round 1!) in the Eastern Conference. The C's are currently on a 5 game winning streak (Cavs, Bucks, Nets, Knicks, Rockets). But with their future very much in question, what should they do?

Many of the trade rumors that have circulated around the league involve the Big 4, rightly so. Kevin Garnett ($21.2 million) and Ray Allen ($10 million) are unrestricted free agents after this season. While Paul Pierce (2 years remaining, avg. $16 million per year) and Rajon Rondo (3 years remaining, avg. $12 per year) are not only under contract going forward, but are both playing at a very high level. In fact, to be fair, KG and Allen are also playing at a much higher than anticipated level this season, particularly in Garnett's case, as of late (18.8 points, 10.2 rebounds during 5 game-winning streak.)

Because of this sudden winning streak and the newly found rotation Doc Rivers has stuck to (aided by the Jermaine O'Neal injury), the idea of keeping this group together and making one final run has begun to emerge, amongst some. Can they beat the Bulls in a 7 game series? What about the Heat? The thought that they could miss the playoffs with this group is ridiculous. Not only based on their own abilities, but more so the rest of the Conference. They WILL make the playoffs, but how far can they go?

If the Celtics want to make moves AND not go into full fledged re-building mode they have to keep Rajon Rondo. I repeat, KEEP RAJON RONDO. He's a bargain for an All-Star and is a Top 5 Point Guard in the NBA. Do you need more around him? Of course. Can he win a title as the best player? No. But how many guys can?

I keep Pierce as well, unless a 3-team deal comes along involving one contender (who else would want Pierce) or the right team steps up and the C's get young players/picks. Now is the time to deal Ray Allen and Kevin Garnett, but you can't give them away.

Hired guns. Assassins. Mercenaries. Ok, rentals. That's what Ray and KG would be for teams with their eyes on the Larry O'Brien Trophy. So after that long winded open, here are 3 Celtics trades that (probably) won't happen:

1. Ray Allen to the Clippers for Eric Bledsoe, future #1 draft pick.

There would have to be other filler in their to make the deal go through, but the Clippers desperately need a 2 guard. Billups is out for the year, Mo Williams is a PG, and Randy Foye just isn't good. Youngster Eric Bledsoe has played in just 11 games this year and doesn't see the court much. He is a good piece though for either the C's to build around and or deal themselves.

2. Paul Pierce & Ray Allen to the Grizzlies for Rudy Gay, O.J. Mayo, Josh Selby, and two future #1 picks.

For some reason the Rudy Gay-Zach Randolph combo has not netted a lot of success. Memphis is good with 1 and not the other. They could make a serious run at it this year with a core of Gasol-Randolph-Pierce-Allen-Conley with T.A, Speights, and Cunningham. Meanwhile the C's get younger and enter the Rondo-Gay era. With Pierce and Allen gone, they would have to do this as well.

3. Kevin Garnett & BOS 1st round pick to the Hawks/ Josh Smith, Kirk Hinrich, & Avery Bradley to the Warriors/ Monta Ellis, Andris Biedrins, GS & ATL 2nd round picks to the Celtics.

Lot going on there. IF the C's pull off trades 2 and 3 they are looking at squad of Rondo-Ellis-Gay-Bass-Biedrins with Mayo, Selby, and for the rest of this year Wilcox, Pietrus, Stiemsma, Johnson.

Yeah I know. It's not great. It would be exciting to watch Rondo play in an uptempo style with Ellis and Gay on the wing.

These deals (probably) won't happen, but with all the crazy rumors flying around now and for the next week, I got to throw a couple more out there. All I know is that whatever Danny does, it won't surprise me as much as Perkins & Nate for Green & Krstic. Can't wait to see what happens.

-Keefe

5 Questions With Kevin Martin

I talked with Houston starting shooting guard Kevin Martin prior to Tuesday night’s Celtics-Rockets game at the TD Garden. Here is what the Western Carolina alum who is averaging 18.2 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 2.8 assists had to say.

1. At the beginning of the year everyone made a huge deal about the trade that didn’t go through (Lakers-Hornets-Rockets aka “Chris Paul to the Lakers Deal”) and all the talk was about Paul and Lamar Odom and how he handled it, how have you dealt with it?

Martin: Just play basketball and that’s all. That’s all I do.

2. Trade deadline is now a week from Thursday. How do you and your teammates focus on basketball and what needs to be done?

Martin: I think you think about more important things like getting better as a team and making it to the playoffs.

3. Guarding Ray Allen tonight, you’ve been doing it throughout your career. What’s that like?

Martin: Ah, you know, you just got to make sure your legs are warm, cause Doc is always running him off screens. So you got to be prepared for that.

4. What has Kevin McHale been like as Head Coach this season?

Martin: Oh he’s been great. He’s definitely been a great inspiration for our team this year. Somebody who has been through the fire before. And established a style of play of toughness and things like that, so I think that’s why we’re at the point we are, because of him.

5. Western Carolina, what was the story behind that? Were you not heavily recruited coming out of high school?

Martin: (smiles) Ah, nah you know. Just like my career been kinda overlooked and underrated. So that’s why I think I’m the player I am today, because a lot of that stuff fuels me.

-Keefe

CM Punk on Toucher & Rich

WWE Champion CM Punk was a guest on Toucher & Rich this morning on 98.5 The Sports Hub in Boston. Felger & Mazz producer and wrestling expert James Stewart sat in with T&R as they interviewed Punk prior to tonigh'ts Monday Night Raw at the TD Garden.

LISTEN TO THE INTERVIEW HERE

5 Questions With Mike Bibby

I talked with New York back up point guard Mike Bibby prior to Sunday afternoon’s Celtics-Knicks game at the TD Garden? Why Mike Bibby you ask? Well Carmelo Anthony and Amare Stoudemire were getting pre-game treatment and not talking. Tyson Chandler declined an invitation to go on “5 Questions,” as he was also getting some treatment. I talked to Landry Fields last time the Knicks were in town and Jeremy Lin was shooting around, getting treatment, going to pre-game chapel. Plus, I’ve always been a fan of Mike Bibby, so here we go.

1. What do you think of Rajon Rondo as a player? Obviously you guys had some good match ups while you were playing with the Atlanta Hawks in the playoffs.

Bibby: Good player. You know one of the top Point Guards in the league. Had about a week that I worked with him when he was at Kentucky. He knows my cousin so, we brought out when he was in school. Great player.

2. Speaking of College, you had a great run back in ’97, were there any players that you either played with or against that didn’t develop into solid NBA players that you thought would?

Bibby: Umm. Not that I can think of right now. I mean there is still a lot of people, well a few people that was in college at the same time as me and came in the same draft. So there is still a few of us left and we’re just hanging in there.

3. What was your thoughts on Sacramento keeping the Kings in town?

Bibby: It’s good. I’m happy for the city and the Maloofs. I think it’s good for the city to just keep it going. It’s a great basketball town and it would be sad to see them leave.

4. Less than 2 weeks to the Trade Deadline, you’ve been a part of a lot of these. Does it change the feeling in the locker room? Is there more tension?

Bibby: It depends. You just want to… some guys want to get traded, some guys don’t want to get traded. It’s a buisness. What ever happens happens. But when you’re still on that team, you got to play for that team.

5. With Baron [Davis] back and Jeremy [Lin] you aren’t getting a lot of minutes. What do you do to stay ready?

Bibby: I get my work outs in still. Get the treatment that needs to be done and just keep going.

-Keefe