Keefer Madness: Mad Dog vs. Olbermann Twitter Battle

Here is the audio from Keefer Madness on Felger & Mazz breaking down the tweet beef (lame term, and yet here I am using it) between Chris "Mad Dog" Russo and Keith Olbermann.

WWE Money in the Bank Results

The Usos defeat The Wyatt Family (to retain the Tag Team Championship)

Paige defeats Naomi (to retain the Divas Championship)

Adam Rose defeats Paul Revere 

Seth Rollins wins Brief Case Ladder Match

Goldust & Stardust defeat Rybaxel

Rusev defeats Big E

Layla defeats Summer Rae

John Cena wins WWE World Heavyweight Championship Ladder Match. 

C+

Fridge's Money In The Bank Preview

Looks like The Sports Brief has a new writer!  (And no it's not the long lost Besse).  Our buddy Fridge is going to be contributing with his thoughts on all things wrestling.  What better time to start then now with Money in the Bank at the TD Garden on Sunday night.  These words are now his...

Hopefully Adam Rose and his molly-riddled posse of bandits have cleared out since Avicii's death cult concert this past week, as the WWE will be live at TD Garden this coming weekend, bringing the Money in the Bank pay per view to town.  Your humble sports entertainment blogger will be in attendance this Sunday, sitting dead center in the balcony, and I’m expecting an entertaining show.  The last pay per view that the WWE hosted in Boston was Survivor Series last November, which proved to be easily the lowest point of the last 12 months, with the Big Show in a main event against Randy Orton.

 

The WWE’s creative and booking teams must have been working overtime the past few months since WrestleMania.  Instead of doing a match by match preview of the Money in the Bank pay per view, let’s look at four of the variables that have toyed with their best laid plans over the past few months:

 

1)       Daniel Bryan’s neck injury – Even before the stack of dimes that Mr Bryan calls a neck decided to fail him, the Yes Movement started to seem to putter out.  The highest of highs (70,000 people screaming Yes at the Superdome) couldn’t match the lowest of lows (another feud with Kane?)  WWE had to find a way to strip Bryan of the belt, put the belt onto someone worthy, and keep Bryan relevant (all during what is normally their weakest time of year) must have led to some sleepless nights for the writing staff.

2)       Batista’s Failed Run/Movie Career – WWE brought back Big Dave/Bluetista/Drax the Destroyer in January to what they thought was going to be a strong and positive fan reaction.  Apparently skinny jeans, euro track jackets and Godsmack logo tattoos don’t get over with the sports entertainment crowd as well as vegan diets, beards and chanting “Yes.”  A well-timed month or two off for Batista might have actually worked perfect for WWE, as they could have him take the pin at Payback and walk off tv for a bit of time going forward.  Since January, the guy has won the Royal Rumble, but probably spent more time getting pinned than anyone expected initially.  His recent visit to NXT, relatively amusing promo and powerbomb of Bo Dallas could hint that they’re fixing to bring him back as a babyface once he’s done selling Guardians of the Galaxy.

3)       The Death of the Stable – Not since Attitude Era/nWo years have we seen “stables” take over the entire business in such a strong way.  Between the Shield, the Wyatts, and Evolution (and 3MB?  RIP L,) the strength of the Stable was at an all-time high.  Within three quick months, we’ve seen the Shield and Evolution completely disband, and we’re now seeing hints (new entrance music) that WWE may be separating Harper and Rowan off from Bray Wyatt as well.  Every fantasy booker in the internet wrestling community had his own reason for which member of the Shield would be the one to eventually turn heel, and there were strong arguments for each.  Roman Reigns had the natural heel look with long hair, Ambrose is a complete psychopath cut from the Rowdy Roddy Piper mold, and Rollins has proven to just work in a cocky heel role.  By killing off the Stables that looked so strong in the month or so after Wrestlemania, WWE has probably given themselves more roster flexibility to book different angles going forward.

4)       Stagnation – Let’s not kid ourselves, Paul Heyman is among the best things going in wrestling over the last 20 years, but something about his run with Cesaro hasn’t totally clicked.  I understand and appreciate the need to keep Brock Lesnar in the front of the fans’ mind, but the over-selling of the end of the streak, when we haven’t seen Brock or the Undertaker since April is essentially burying the importance of Cesaro and Heyman’s relationship.  Too much of the “mid card” has been stagnant for almost a year.  Ziggler, Swagger, Big Show, Miz, Sheamus, Del Rio, Big E, Curtis Axel, Sandow, Titus Young, Fandango, Kofi, Mark Henry, R Truth, Xavier Woods, Ryback…that’s over a dozen names that have stagnated over the past twelve months.  WWE has to find a way to balance between bringing up the hot NXT talents like Bo Dallas and Bray Wyatt and pushing them strong versus letting the mid card completely deflate upon itself.

Sunday Night should be fun, and I'll follow up with a recap Monday or Tuesday.  Follow me on Twitter for live-tweeting of WWE Network/Raw/PPVs @the123fridge.

Fridge

Celtics Don't Trade, Use Both Picks

With all the trade rumors flying around, the Celtics simply made their two draft picks. No more, no less.  Kevin Love in? Nope.  Rajon Rondo gone?  Not yet anyway.  

Quick thoughts...

#6.  MARCUS SMART, PG, Oklahoma State, Sophomore

I like Smart a lot as a prospect, how he fits with Rondo and Bradley remains to be seen. (Worst shooting backcourt ever?). Smart doesn't shoot well, right now, but does a lot of things on the floor. He's big, strong, and athletic.  I see shades of Derrick Rose and Russell Westbrook.  That'd be high, but we can dream. I think Bradley is gone, Rondo starts the year with team then he or Smart is dealt and a direction is defined. 

#17.  JAMES YOUNG, SG/SF, Kentucky, Freshmen

One of the youngest players in the draft, turns 19 in the middle of August.  Looks like a great shooter despite only 35% from 3 last year.  He's long, should defend 2s and 3s.  He can score, something the C's really need.  I was trilled to see him available still at 17. 

Now we wait and see how the roster fills out.  Trades should be coming... Maybe even before Winter in the North...

Podcast: Keefe & B. Robb Talk NBA Draft

Rich Keefe's 2014 NBA Mock Draft

Disclaimer to the Mock Draft.  This is not a guess at 1-60, rather who I think should go in each spot.  It's like I'm the GM for all 30 teams.  I have the roster needs and what not in mind, so this isn't the 60 best players in order, but it's closer to that than other mocks who have something called "inside information."  So the first player announced in the Adam Silver Era will be...

1. Cleveland Cavaliers – Jabari Parker, SF, Duke, Freshmen

Parker has been my favorite player in the draft from beginning to end... even with the end not being an ideal one for him.  I think he has the best chance to be a multiple time All-Star in the NBA.  I understand the Wiggins and Embiid love, but I believe Parker could be even better and is also safer in my mind.  He's the best scorer in the draft and even though his defense is below average, that's something he can improve on with nothing more than effort.  Cavs should take him #1 and watch him be a 20+ scorer for years to come.  

2. Milwaukee Bucks – Andrew Wiggins, SG/SF, Kansas, Freshmen

Comparisons to LeBron James and Kevin Durant were insane from Jump Street.  Not fair.  He's not them, but no one is.  He lit up West Virginia (41 points) late in the year, but he also put out a stinker in their tournament loss to Stanford.  The potential is obvious, athleticism is nutty, I still like Parker more, but not by a whole lot.

3. Philadelphia 76ers – Aaron Gordon, PF, Arizona, Freshmen 

Big move up here.  The Embiid injury could (should) launch Gordon up a few spots.  Gordon is not even an average shooter right now, but he is an exceptional athlete and can immediately guard multiple positions in the NBA.  He's the youngest guy in the draft and reminds me (and many others) of a young Shawn Marion.  (Remember how good the Matrix was?  I do.) He should become a double-double guy and All-Defensive ability.  He may just catch alley-oops for a season or two, but by the time he is 20-21 (!) he could be a more well rounded offensive threat.  

4. Orlando Magic – Marcus Smart, PG, Oklahoma State, Sophomore

Stock in Smart has been all over the place.  He could have been the #1 pick last year and likely would have been #2 to the Magic, but he decided to go back to school to work on his point guard skills (not a PG in high school) and his shooting (still poor).  He had that shove on that racist Texas Tech fan and the Cowboys had a disappointing season.  There has been talk that he could be picked 8th or later, but I think his pre-draft workouts have helped him and he should be back in the Top 5.  He reminds me a little of a Derrick Rose or Russell Westbrook.  NBA strength already, only 6'3 but strong as hell.  Needs to shoot better obviously, but does a lot well.  I'm a fan!

5. Utah Jazz – Noah Vonleh, PF, Indiana, Freshmen

How about the hands on this guy!?  Big, huge hands, long wing span and he can shoot.  He played on a bad Hoosiers team in his one season in college, so that was one of the reasons he didn't get the hype that many of the other freshmen received.  Utah stinks.  They managed to draft one of the few solid players in last year's draft (Trey Burke), doesn't mean they couldn't take Exum, but I think they go big and take a Derrick Favors (who was disappointing) replacement.  

6. BOSTON CELTICS – Joel Embiid, C, Kansas, Freshmen

FOOT INJURY!  Not even attending the draft, yikes.  It's also scary that his points, FG %, rebounds, and block numbers as a freshmen are most similar to Greg Oden and Anthony Davis.  That's the floor and ceiling right there.  The Hakeem comparisons are as aggressive as the Wiggins-LeBron ones.  If he is Oden, would you be shocked?  Embiid is the only legit center though in this draft, but I was worried when it was just the back, now the foot?  This is why it's not easy being a GM (I'd still like to take a shot though.)  I'll reluctantly take him at 6, only because of who has already come off the board (in this mock).  Either C's trade this pick to Minnesota who would be in rebuild, or the Celts themselves are going young/ tank for another year.  

7. Los Angeles Lakers – Dante Exum, G, Australia

I'm not as high on Exum as most.  I haven't seen much of him (have you?), and I'm even a little concerned about taking him here.  I've seen the YouTube clips, I've read all the scouting reports.  Is he Michael Carter-Williams?  Is that worth taking over a number of guys below?  He doesn't shoot well and I wasn't blown away by his athleticism at the Draft Combine.  If he ends up being a 2-guard, is he any better than Zach LaVine or even someone like Jordan Clarkson?  With all that being said, you can't miss out on the next big international stud (there have been a bunch).  I'd take him here, but not higher.  

8. Sacramento Kings – Julius Randle, PF, Kentucky, Freshmen

This foot injury is scary.  Will he need surgery this year, next year, year three?  He says no, but Woj says yes.  Who do you believe?  I saw he had a 38.5 max vertical jump at his workout with the Lakers.  So take that for what it's worth.  He was a double-double machine in his one year at Kentucky where he helped lead his team to the NCAA Finals.  He measured out at a true 6'9 with a 7 wingspan and already a strong NBA build.  Is he Zach Randolph?  Could he be Chris Webber if he improves his passing?  If I'm picking 8-10 I'm hoping the teams above freak out about the foot, cause I think he will be a solid pro for a long time.

9. Charlotte Hornets (from Pistons) – Gary Harris, SG, Michigan State, Sophomore

I just hope they give this pick a brand new Charlotte Hornets Starter jacket when he gets selected.  Good to have the Hornets back and more importantly, Bobcats gone, for good.   Harris is the best pure 2-guard in the class.  Some rumors floated that he might have some point guard ability (note: EVERY agent of shooting guards pushes their guy as also a point, especially if they don't have great size... like Harris.)  But Harris is a tough, smart, almost complete player after 2 years at Michigan State.  I don't think he's as good as Bradley Beal but a solid pick at 9.

10. Philadelphia 76ers (from Pelicans) – T.J. Warren, SF, North Carolina State, Sophomore

Another one of my favorite players in the draft right here.  Warren led the ACC in scoring (24.9 ppg, which was more than Jabari Parker), he does not shoot great from 3 (yet), but has good size for an NBA 3 and is creative at scoring in the lane.  He can create his own shot and should be a productive scorer in the league for sometime.  Solid rebounder (7 a game last year) if he buys in defensively, with his size he could become a complete player.  (I'm hoping if the Celtics stay at 17, he falls to them there.)

11.  Denver Nuggets – James Young, SG/SF, Kentucky, Freshmen

I like James Young more than most.  I believe he will turn into a lights out shooter.  I know he only shot 35% from 3 last year but it looks a lot better, if that makes sense. He has the size to play either the 2 or even the 3 as he is 6'7 with a 7 foot wingspan.  His agent is Jay-Z... which I also wanted to mention.  

12. Orlando Magic (from Knicks) – Dario Saric, F, Croatia

Saric was almost in the draft last year, and there was even some talk that he may pull out again this time around.  But the 6'10, 20 year old from Croatia is in.  He compares to Lamar Odom (on the court!).  Obviously, like Exum, one of the guys in the draft I know the least amount, but he's been one of the top international players for years and his style should translate to the NBA.  I'm not predicting All-Stars games, however at #12, worth a shot.

13. Minnesota Timberwolves – Adreian Payne, PF, Michigan State, Senior

One of the few seniors I like in this draft (or really almost any draft).  He actually shot the 3 better than his teammate Gary Harris and Kentucky's James Young this year.  So, stretch 4 is appropriate.  He doesn't play overly athletic, but did you see him in the College Slam Dunk Contest?  You didn't? Well, take my word, he was impressive.  Big dunks.  6'10 with a 7'4 wingspan.  T-Wolves could be looking to replace their power forward...

14. Phoenix Suns – Doug McDermott, F, Creighton, Senior

Head Coach Jeff Hornacek got the most out of his team last year.  Gerald Green looked like a legit NBA player, as did the Morris twins.  Maybe they would be better off taking a guy who has more upside, but why not take a scorer like McDermott?  5th most points in NCAA history... that's nothing to sneeze at.  Not sure who he can guard.  Hide him on defense and utilize him as a scoring weapon.  This is the prime example of a player who will last as long as the place he goes.  Phoenix seems like a good spot for most.   

15. Atlanta Hawks – Jusef Nurkic, C, Bosnia

Well, here is another guy I'm basing off of YouTube, scouting reports, and hearsay, compared to actually watching with my own eyes.  But in a draft with few centers, Nurkic probably won't slide too far down the middle of the 1st round.  I like that he is 6'11 and 280.  A lot of these international guys who are 6'11/7'0 are always 210, and we hear "needs to add muscle," and "once he adds that NBA body."  This guy has already crossed that off his list.  

16. Chicago Bulls (from Hornets) – Elfrid Payton, PG, Louisiana-Lafayette, Junior 

Big fan of Payton (how many favorites can I have?).  Did not play in the best conference (Sun Belt stinks), but did compete in the U-19 for Team USA a year ago and played well against better competition also he has been playing great in pre-draft workouts.  I'll compare him to Rajon Rondo.  He doesn't shoot well, although he can score.  Good size 6'4 with a 6'8 wingspan.  19 points, 6 rebounds, 6 assists per game is nice, but again it was in the Sun Belt.  He's a junior but only 20 years old.  Smart is better, Exum might be better, after that... Payton is the best point guard in the draft.

17. BOSTON CELTICS (from Nets) – Rodney Hood, SF, Duke, Sophomore

My pick in this draft class for a guy who will compete in a 3-Point Contest and a Dunk Contest.  Everyone watched Duke this year with both eyes on Jabari Parker, however Hood is legit in his own right.  He might disappear a little here and there (maybe in part due to Parker) but he can shoot the 3 and is athletic enough to get in the lane and even throw down over the defense.  He's 6'8, so size for the 3.  Will never be the lead scorer on your team, option 3 maybe 2 down the road is reasonable.

18. Phoenix Suns (from Wizards) – K.J. McDaniels, SG/SF, Clemson, Junior

If the Suns lose Eric Bledsoe, they will be looking for a replacement to pair with All-NBA PG Goran Dragic, and some more scoring.  McDaniels has been more of a small forward, but I think he can play either wing spot.  He put up 17 points, 7 rebounds last year on a bad Clemson team.  Great free throw shooter but an average 3 point shooter right now.  At 6'6, with a 6'11+ wingspan he could turn himself into a strong wing defender if he commits himself.      

19. Chicago Bulls – Nik Stauskas, SG, Michigan, Sophomore

Most people are higher on the Canadian by was of St. Mark's (ISL!).  He can shoot.  What else can he do?  He's got decent enough size for a 2-guard, and can handle better than you might expect.  Is he better, worse, or the same as J.J. Redick?  I guess it depends on how you view Redick.  I've been surprised by his time in the league and effectiveness.  He's a double-digit scorer, I'm not convinced Stauskas will be.  But, I've been wrong before.  

20. Toronto Raptors – Tyler Ennis, PG, Syracuse, Freshmen

Not a fan of Ennis.  Scouts seem to enjoy his work.  He became the face of Syracuse as they were riding a long winning streak last season, but were they really any good?  He should be the future PG of Team Canada (which could be a nice team: Wiggins, Tristan Thompson, A. Bennett, Olynyk, Stauskas, Andrew Nicholson, etc.)   Raptors may lose Kyle Lowry, so at #20 point guard could be the play.

21. Oklahoma City Thunder (from Mavericks) –P.J. Hairston, SG, D-League/North Carolina

Hairston as we all know got booted out of North Carolina.  You have to be some kind of pain in the ass to get kicked out of one of these basketball schools, but he pulled it off.  He then joined the D-League where he put up over 20 points per game.  Don't get too excited about the D-League stats (Fab Melo had great games there), Glen Rice Jr., was great two years ago there post Georgia Tech and spent more time there then in the big show this year.  I did like Hairston while he was at UNC and he carried over some of his good on-court abilities to the D-League.  Hopefully he has matured (sounded like he did at the combine, for what it's worth), he could be good.

22. Memphis Grizzlies – Melvin Ejim, SF, Iowa State, Senior

Big fan of the Big 12 Player of the Year, Melvin Ejim.  He's 23 years old, put up 18-8 as a senior at Iowa State.  If he goes to a good team (Grizzlies here would work) he could be a nice role player off the bench at first, before perhaps even elevating himself to that #3 scorer on a team.  Good size for a SF. He's more polished then some of the younger guys in the draft, but as is always the case there, the ceiling may not be as high.  Great potential pick for a playoff team though.

23. Utah Jazz (from Warriors) – Zach LaVine, SG, UCLA, Freshmen

One of the best athletes in the draft, LaVine played mostly 2-guard last year, but was a point in high school.  Shot decent from 3 (37.5%)  Utah would be happy to see LaVine fall down to #23.  He and Trey Burke would be an interesting young backcourt.  

24. Charlotte Hornets (from Trail Blazers) – Kyle Anderson, SF, UCLA, Sophomore

I've been all over the place with Anderson (LaVine's teammate last season.)  He's 6'8.5 with a wingspan over 7'2.  He does a lot of things well, put up roughly 15 points, 9 rebounds, 6.5 assists, 2 steals, and 1 block a game while shooting 48.3% from 3 (took less than 2 per game).  Another one of these guys who could be a terror on defense.  Could go as high as the lottery or as low as mid-20s.  Hornets might get a gem down here. 

25. Houston Rockets – Spencer Dimwiddie, G, Colorado, Junior

Played only 17 games last year because of a torn ACL.  I see him as a 2-guard, he believes he can play the point (what guard doesn't?).  Shoots real well, floor, 3, line, you name it.  Solid passer as well.  I like his chances in the league, especially if he joins a playoff team and turns into their second guard off the bench at first before expanding his role.  

26. Miami Heat – Glenn Robinson III, SF, Michigan, Sophomore

Not a huge fan of Robinson.  Let's be honest, you're not going to like 60 guys in every draft, you're not going to like 30 guys in every draft.  This one does have more than most, but late 1st you have your work cut out for you to find a guy to crack the rotation.  A young, athletic player at any position makes sense for the Miami Heat... unless LeBron opts out, then it's just panic in the streets.  

27. Phoenix Suns (from Pacers) – Jerami Grant, F, Syracuse, Sophomore

Syracuse had a brutal run of pros post Carmelo Anthony (Johnny Flynn, Donta Greene, Wesley Johnson, Fab Melo, etc, etc.) until Michael Carter-Williams who was Rookie of the Year (in a horrible class, but whatever).  Ennis and Grant I feel are more like the Flynns and Greenes than Melos and MCWs.   The son of former Bullet Harvey Grant and nephew of Horace, does not shoot from the outside and is more of a SF than PF certainly in the NBA... I kind of want to move him to 2nd round... it's too late, I've committed.  

28. Los Angeles Clippers – Jarnell Stokes, PF, Tennessee, Junior

Julius Randle - Lite of the SEC.  Good for 15 points and 10 rebounds a game last year at Tennessee.  Like Randle he doesn't have great height (just 6'8) but he's 260+ and has a wingspan over 7'1.  I could see Stokes carving out a career as a banger.  Undersized, strong rebounder off the bench.  20 years old despite being a junior also a positive.  

29. Oklahoma City Thunder – Shabazz Napier, PG, UConn, Senior 

Roxbury's own will be a 1st round pick, but he may have to wait a little while to hear his name called.  I don't see him as a future starter.  Leader of a bench mob?  Absolutely.  If he is running your second unit and playing 24+ minutes a night, I think it works.  I'll be rooting for the NCAA Tournament's Most Outstanding Player to succeed, but I'm not as high on him as some, especially in the Boston area.

30. San Antonio Spurs – C.J. Wilcox, SG, Washington, Senior

Maybe the best shooter in the draft.  Would be a nice pick up for a playoff team looking for a player that can stretch the floor.  Wilcox has good size for a 2 (6'5, 6'10 wing).  Shot over 39% from 3, making nearly 3 per game at Washington.  Also shot 87+% at the free throw line.  Stick him out there with Parker and Duncan and watch him rain 3's.  (I thought Reggie Bullock would be able to do this last year... and, he did not.)

ROUND 2:

31. Milwaukee Bucks – Thanasis Antetokounmpo, SF, D-League
32. Philadelphia 76ers – Mitch McGary, C, Michigan
33. Cleveland Cavaliers (from Magic) – Patric Young, PF, Florida
34. Dallas Mavericks (from Celtics) – DeAndre Kane, PG, Iowa State
35. Utah Jazz – Cleanthony Early, F, Wichita State
36. Milwaukee Bucks (from Lakers) – Johnny O’Bryant III, PF, LSU
37. Toronto Raptors (from Kings) – Cameron Bairstow, PF, New Mexico
38. Detroit Pistons – Jordan Clarkson, G, Missouri
39. Philadelphia 76ers (from Cavs) – Clint Capela, PF, Switzerland
40. Minnesota Timberwolves (from Pelicans) – Markel Brown, SG, Oklahoma State
41. Denver Nuggets – Walter Tavares, C, Cape Verde
42. Houston Rockets (from Knicks) – Dwight Powell, PF, Stanford
43. Atlanta Hawks – Jabari Brown, G, Missouri
44. Minnesota Timberwolves – Sean Kilpatrick, PG, Cincinnati
45. Charlotte Hornets  - Cory Jefferson, F, Baylor
46. Washington Wizards – Jordan Adams, G, UCLA
47. Philadelphia 76ers (from Nets) – Lamar Patterson, SG, Pittsburgh
48. Milwaukee Bucks (from Raptors) – DeAndre Daniels, F, UConn
49. Chicago Bulls – James Michael McAdoo, F, North Carolina
50. Phoenix Suns – Russ Smith, PG, Louisville
51. Dallas Mavericks – Jahii Carson, PG, Arizona State
52. Philadelphia 76ers (from Grizzlies) – Khem Birch, PF, UNLV
53. Minnesota Timberwolves (from Warriors) – Roscoe Smith, F, UNLV
54. Miami Heat – Alex Kirk, C, New Mexico
55. Philadelphia 76ers (from Rockets) – Jordan McRae, SG, Tennessee
56. Denver Nuggets (from Trail Blazers) – Semaj Christon, PG, Xavier
57. Indiana Pacers – Bryce Cotton, PG, Providence
58. San Antonio Spurs (from Clippers) – Roy Devyn Marble, SF, Iowa
59. Toronto Raptors (from Thunder) – Deonte Burton, G, Nevada
60. San Antonio Spurs – Nick Johnson, G, Arizona

NBA Draft Green Room Invites

• Andrew Wiggins, Kansas
• Jabari Parker, Duke
• Joel Embiid, Kansas (will not attend)
• Dante Exum, Australia 
• Noah Vonleh, Indiana
• Aaron Gordon, Arizona
• Julius Randle, Kentucky
• Marcus Smart, Oklahoma State
• Doug McDermott, Creighton
• Dario Saric, Croatia
• T.J. Warren, North Carolina State
• Gary Harris, Michigan State
• Elfrid Payton, Louisiana-Lafayette
• Nik Stauskas, Michigan
• James Young, Kentucky
• Zach LaVine, UCLA
• Jusuf Nurkic, Bosnia
• Adreian Payne, Michigan State
• Rodney Hood, Duke
• Tyler Ennis, Syracuse
• Shabazz Napier, UConn

21 total.  20 expected to be in attendance on Thursday, June 26

Charlotte Hornets New Uniforms

Thankfully Charlotte is going back to the Hornets, dumping the Bobcats (one of the worst team names, logos, uniforms of all time... in any sport.)

Here they are...

Solid.  Welcome back Hornets.  Give me a Larry Johnson, Alonzo Mourning, Muggsy Bogues night and I'm in.

Upcoming Showtimes

I (Rich Keefe) will be hosting and co-hosting some shows coming up on 98.5 The Sports Hub.

Saturday 7-8am: Celtics @ 7

Saturday 8-9am: The Rich Keefe Project

Sunday 9am-1pm: Keefe & Mike Flynn

Monday 6-10am: Adam Jones & Keefe (in for Toucher & Rich)

Also on Monday, I will have my full NBA Mock Draft right here on The Brief. 

WWE World Heavyweight Title Ladder Match Set

Boom.

The field is set for the World Hvt. Title #LadderMatch at #MITB! #RAW #BattleRoyal #StretcherMatch pic.twitter.com/vVRgtSOgtb

— WWE (@WWE) June 17, 2014

Money In The Bank = Sunday, June 29th at the TD Garden

RIP Tony Gwynn

Hall of Famer Tony Gwynn has died at the age of 54 after a battle with cancer. 

.338 career batting average.  

3,141 career hits

15x All-Star

8 batting titles 

5 gold gloves 

And before Kawhi Leonard, Gwynn was the face (to me anyway) of San Diego State basketball. 

UFC 174 Results

MAIN CARD:

• Demetrious Johnson def. Ali Bagautinov via unanimous decision (50-45, 50-45, 50-45)
• Rory MacDonald def. Tyron Woodley via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
• Ryan Bader def. Rafael Cavalcante via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
• Andrei Arlovski def. Brendan Schaub via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
• Ovince Saint Preux def. Ryan Jimmo via verbal submission (kimura) – Round 2, 2:10. 

UNDERCARD:

• Kiichi Kunimoto def. Daniel Sarafian via submission (rear-naked choke) – Round 1, 2:52
• Valerie Letourneau def. Elizabeth Phillips via split decision (28-29, 29-28, 29-28)
• Yves Jabouin def. Mike Easton via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
• Tae Hyun Bang def. Kajan Johnson via knockout (punch) – Round 3, 2:01
• Michinori Tanaka def. Roland Delorme via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
• Jason Saggo def. Josh Shockley via TKO (punches) – Round 1, 4:57

How about Andrei Arlovski being back in the UFC for the first time since 2008.  The fight was not anything special and he may not have deserved the win but hey, he's back.  Check out some of the other places he's fought in the meantime, you may have seen him in a parking lot or bar you frequent. But good for him. Always liked him. 

Not the best card going in and not the best card going out.  Lots of decisions.  Only a couple of Top 10 guys.  

Thanks to MMAJunkie.com for the official results. 

Celtics Friday Workouts

With the NBA Draft less than 2 weeks away the Celtics have been hosting a number of potential draft picks.  Usually it's been one or two studs surrounded by some also-rans. Not today.  7 likely 1st rounders are in the house with a few of these guys legitimate options at #6.  6 of the 7 players in could go in the lottery.  You'll see how the groups are broken up with note on each player below. 

Group 1 (One Man Gang)

JULIUS RANDLE, PF, KENTUCKY 

The big news came down yesterday saying Randle will likely need foot surgery after the draft and he'd be out probably 2 months, missing rookie camp. Randle then called out Woj on twitter, I (everyone) still believes Woj. But how much will this hurt his stock?

The 6'9 freshmen with a 7 foot wing span was an absolute double-double machine.  Shades of Zach Randolph (on the court!) in his game. I'd pass on him at 6 but there's no way he should slip out of the Top 10. The C's will get all the medical info on him and then make their decision based on that. 

Group 2 (Classic 6 Pack)

JORDAN CLARKSON, G, MISSOURI

Like so many recent players and many in this draft class, Clarkson is a guard. Shooting guard? Probably. Point guard? Maybe (especially if it will help his draft stock).  The 22 year old junior was a productive scorer in the SEC but didn't shoot it well from 3 (under 30%).  My guess is he will be a late 1st round pick. 

GARY HARRIS, SG, MICHIGAN STATE

The Spartan sophomore might be the best shooting guard in the class.  Of course there has been some talk that he can play point too... He can make it as a 2 despite being just 6'4.  Bradley Beal is doing just fine, and although Harris doesn't shoot like Beal, he does a lot of everything and should be a productive NBA player.  My guess is he goes somewhere between the two Celtics picks. 

ZACH LAVINE, G, UCLA

Another "guard" who played mostly 2 in his only year at UCLA, but has a point guard background. He was one of the best athletes at last months Draft Combine. Great vertical, size, quickness, etc.  he even shot a better % from 3 (37.5) than Harris and Clarkson, although not nearly as productive at the offensive end. The 19 year old is an upside pick.  No use at 6 but very intriguing at 17. 

ELFRID PAYTON, PG, LOUISIANA-LAFAYETTE 

Love this guy. The Sun Belt is not great competition obviously compared to the power conference everyone else in this group attended, but Payton played on the Under-19 Team USA team a year ago and got the chance to play with and against good competition where he did very well.  He can score but he can't shoot.  Comparable to Rajon Rondo although he is 3 inches taller.  Could become a legit pass first point guard while he develops his shot. He's a junior but only 20 years old. He's been moving up Mock Drafts and it wouldn't be a stretch to take him at 17. Payton has done well against other top players on the workout tour and he has another chance in Waltham. 

MARCUS SMART, PG, OKLAHOMA STATE

Another one of my favorite players in the draft. By comparison, he is 1 inch shorter than Elfrid Payton, but he is 40 pounds heavier. 40 pounds!  6'3, 225.  Beast.  He won't get pushed around at the next level.  He could post opposing points a la Billups, Kidd, Parker.  Needs to work on his shot, a clear weakness. He returned to school for his sophomore year to work on his point guard skills and his shooting, and overall it was a disappointing year.  He pushed that racist fan and that became a thing, but that seems behind him (and everyone else). I'd consider him at 6 depending how the Top 5 went.  He won't fall out of Top 8. 

NIK STAUSKAS, SG, MICHIGAN 

One of the best shooters in the draft.  I was really down on him during the year (I watched one of his worst games all year), but after watching more of him, he's a legit shooter.  He's got good enough size to be a SG that doesn't have explosive speed.  He's got an underrated handle and gets his shot of extremely quick. I'm not sure how good of a pro he will be but I also thought J.J. Redick would be terrible, so who knows?  I don't want him at 6 and don't think he'll drop to 17. 

Can't wait for June 26th.  I'll have a full Mock Draft up sometime next week. 

World Cup Minute Intro

Opey has done it again. Keefe will be breaking out a "World Cup Minute," every night on 98.5 The Sports Hub throughout the tournament, and the only way to lead into it is with a sweet intro, courtesy of Opey...

Big 4?

Big 3 could become the Big 4?  The fellas at ESPN think so.

How insane would this be?  Yes, they would need a lot to happen, opt outs, pay cuts, and everything else, but good Lord.  You thought people went nuts when LeBron, Wade, and Bosh teamed up, this will crush that.

In a weird, weird way, I want this to happen.   Don't get me wrong, I want Melo to play for the Celtics, but if he doesn't give me a hated villain.  The Heat are already the NBA's villain, can you imagine what it would be like if they add Melo?  Come on.

Dumb and Dumber To Trailer

NBA Jam & NHL 95 Version of Final(s)

Spurs lead the Heat 2-1 in the NBA Finals.  This would be an easy 3-0 if they matched up the NBA Jam rosters...

Spurs - David Robinson & Sean Elliot

Heat - Rony Seikaly & Harold Miner

Yikes. Elliot is no superstar but Robinson dominates this to no end.  

Likely result: Spurs 4-0

The Kings lead the Rangers 3-0 and are going for the sweep tonight in the Stanley Cup Final.  What would a 7 gamer look like in NHL '95 for SEGA?

New York Rangers

Graves-Messier-Kovalev

Leetch-Zubov

Richter

Los Angeles Kings

Robitaille-Gretzky-Kurri

Blake-Zhitnik

Hrudey

What a match up.  Forwards are off the charts. Blake and Leetch are shut down. But the huge goalie advantage gives it to NY. 

Likely result: Rangers in 7

Daniel Bryan Stripped of WWE World Heavyweight Championship

#TheAuthority has STRIPPED @WWEDanielBryan of the #WWE World Heavyweight Championship on #Raw! #BestForBusiness #NoNoNo

— WWE (@WWE) June 10, 2014

Followed by...

BREAKING NEWS: #MITB will feature a ladder match for the vacant #WWE World Heavyweight Championship! #TheAuthority #Raw

— WWE (@WWE) June 10, 2014

Money in the Bank is going to be a solid in Boston a few weeks from now.

Psycho vs. Bates Motel

Psycho (1960) is one of the all-time great films. There are also 3 sequels and a remake but let's forget about those. 

Bates Motel (TV) is an A&E show that is essentially a prequel to Psycho, although it's set in modern times, that has aired for 2 seasons (20 episodes.)

How close do these two line up?  Well aside from the time they take place here is what I got. 

How They Got The Motel

Psycho = Norman says his mom's boyfriend convinced his mom to build it two years before she died (which would make it 12 years before the movie takes place)

Bates Motel = Norma (mother) and Norman move after his father's death and they buy it. He's in high school at the time. 

How Long Has Bates Lived There?

Psycho = Norman says he grew up there. So maybe his whole life. 

Bates Motel = Since he was 16. 

Other Family

Psycho = No mention of anyone else. Norman's dad is dead, mom's bf is dead. As psychiatrist says, "They lived as though no one else existed."

Bates Motel = Norman has a half-brother named Dylan. 

Stupid Thing I Noticed

Psycho = Norman talks to Marion about taxidermy while she's in his office and he tells her that some people even do dogs and cats but he never could.   When...

Bates Motel = A dog is the FIRST THING HE STUFFS. 

House & Motel

Look identical. Good details by the TV show with the rooms, basement, etc. 

Where They At?

Psycho = California

Bates Motel = Oregon

Norman Bates

Freddie Highmore has done a pretty good Anthony Perkins.  They share some of the same mannerisms.  If anything Perkins plays it a little more immature even though he is several years older. 

Bates Motel has been good. There are other things that line up pretty good such as all the overpass talk which will cut off the motel from everyone driving through and what not.  They've had to add other storylines to keep it fresh (hello half-brother!).  It's going to be real interesting to see where they go with it and how Norman's mother meets her demise.  

I'm sure there are plenty more similarities and differences, feel free to add them.  

Sharknado 2: The Second One Preview

Wednesday, July 30th on SyFy I'm in.

Stephen Drew Not In Lineup... Again

$10 million.  Doesn't play against lefties and sucks against righties.  Least the future of the franchise had to move positions for him. 

LeBron's Kryptonite

It wouldn't be fair if he was everything-proof. 

Molina Drills Aoki

I guess this is the reason some guys wear the double ear flaps on their helmets.

2014 World Cup TV Schedule

Thanks to Philly.com

Group Stage

Thursday, June 12
4:00 p.m.: A1. Brazil vs. A2. Croatia at Arena Corinthians, São Paulo
- ESPN (Ian Darke and Steve McManaman)
Friday, June 13
12:00 p.m.: A3. Mexico vs. A4. Cameroon at Estadio das Dunas, Natal
- ESPN2
3:00 p.m.: B1. Spain vs. B2 Netherlands at Arena Fonte Nova, Salvador
- ESPN
6:00 p.m. B3. Chile vs. B4. Australia at Arena Pantanal, Cuiabá
- ESPN2
Saturday, June 14
12:00 p.m.: C1. Colombia vs. C2. Greece at Estádio Mineirão, Belo Horizonte
- ABC
3:00 p.m.: D1. Uruguay vs. D2. Costa Rica at Estádio Castelão, Fortaleza
- ABC
6:00 p.m.: D3. England vs. D4. Italy at Arena Amazônia, Manaus
- ESPN
9:00 p.m.: C3. Ivory Coast vs. C4. Japan at Arena Pernambuco, Recife
- ESPN 
Sunday, June 15
12:00 p.m.: E1. Switzerland vs. E2. Ecuador at Estádio Nacional Mané Garrincha, Brasilia
- ABC
3:00 p.m.: E3. France vs. E4. Honduras at Estádio Beira-Rio, Porto Alegre
- ABC

6:00 p.m.: F1. Argentina vs. F2. Bosnia-Herzegovina at Estadio do Maracanã, Rio de Janeiro
- ESPN
Monday, June 16
12:00 p.m.: G1. Germany vs. G2. Portugal at Arena Fonte Nova, Salvador 
- ESPN
3:00 p.m.: F3. Iran vs. F4. Nigeria at Arena da Baixada, Curitiba
- ESPN
6:00 p.m.: G3. Ghana vs. G4. UNITED STATES at Estadio das Dunas, Natal 
- ESPN (Ian Darke and Taylor Twellman)
Tuesday, June 17
12:00 p.m.: H1. Belgium vs. H2. Algeria at Estádio Mineirão, Belo Horizonte
- ESPN
3:00 p.m.: A1. Brazil vs. A3. Mexico at Estádio Castelão, Fortaleza
- ESPN
6:00 p.m.: H3. Russia vs. H4. South Korea at Arena Pantanal, Cuiabá
- ESPN
Wednesday, June 18
12:00 p.m.: B4. Australia vs. B2. Netherlands at Estádio Beira-Rio, Porto Alegre
- ESPN
3:00 p.m.: B1. Spain vs. B3. Chile at Estadio do Maracanã, Rio de Janeiro 
- ESPN 
6:00 p.m.: A4. Cameroon vs. A2. Croatia at Arena Amazônia, Manaus
- ESPN
Thursday, June 19
12:00 p.m.: C1. Colombia vs. C3. Ivory Coast at Estádio Nacional Mané Garrincha, Brasilia
- ESPN
3:00 p.m.: D1. Uruguay vs. D3. England at Arena Corinthians, São Paulo
- ESPN
6:00 p.m.: C4. Japan vs. C2. Greece at Estadio das Dunas, Natal
- ESPN
Friday, June 20
12:00 p.m.: D4. Italy vs. D2. Costa Rica at Arena Pernambuco, Recife
- ESPN
3:00 p.m.: E1. Switzerland vs. E3. France at Arena Fonte Nova, Salvador
- ESPN
6:00 p.m.: E4. Honduras vs. E2. Ecuador at Arena da Baixada, Curitiba 
- ESPN
Saturday, June 21
12:00 p.m.: F1. Argentina vs. F3. Iran at Estádio Mineirão, Belo Horizonte
- ESPN
3:00 p.m.: G1. Germany vs. G3. Ghana at Estádio Castelão, Fortaleza
- ESPN
6:00 p.m.: F4. Nigeria vs. F2. Bosnia-Herzegovina at Arena Pantanal, Cuiabá
- ESPN
Sunday, June 22
12:00 p.m.: H1. Belgium vs. H3. Russia at Estadio do Maracanã, Rio de Janeiro 
- ABC
3:00 p.m.: H4. South Korea vs. H2. Algeria at Estádio Beira-Rio, Porto Alegre 
- ABC
6:00 p.m.: G4. UNITED STATES vs. G2. Portugal at Arena Amazônia, Manaus
- ESPN (Ian Darke and Taylor Twellman)
Monday, June 23
12:00 p.m.: B2. Netherlands vs. B2. Chile at Arena Corinthians, São Paulo
- ESPN
12:00 p.m.: B4. Australia vs. B1. Spain at Arena da Baixada, Curitiba
- ESPN2
4:00 p.m.: A2. Croatia vs. A3. Mexico at Arena Pernambuco, Recife
- ESPN
4:00 p.m.: A4. Cameroon vs. A1. Brazil at Estádio Nacional Mané Garrincha, Brasilia
- ESPN2
Tuesday, June 24
12:00 p.m.: D4. Italy vs. D1. Uruguay at Estadio das Dunas, Natal
- ESPN
12:00 p.m.: D2. Costa Rica vs. D3. England at Estádio Mineirão, Belo Horizonte
- ESPN2
4:00 p.m.: C4. Japan vs. C1. Colombia at Arena Pantanal, Cuiabá
- ESPN
4:00 p.m.: C2. Greece vs. C3. Ivory Coast at Estádio Castelão, Fortaleza
- ESPN2
Wednesday, June 25
12:00 p.m.: F4. Nigeria vs. F1. Argentina at Estádio Beira-Rio, Porto Alegre
- ESPN
12:00 p.m.: F2. Bosnia-Herzegovina vs. F3. Iran at Arena Fonte Nova, Salvador
- ESPN2
4:00 p.m.: E2. Ecuador vs. E3. France at Estadio do Maracanã, Rio de Janeiro
- ESPN
4:00 p.m.: E4. Honduras vs. E1. Switzerland at Arena Amazônia, Manaus
- ESPN2
Thursday, June 26
12:00 p.m.: G4. UNITED STATES vs. G1. Germany at Arena Pernambuco, Recife 
- ESPN (Ian Darke and Taylor Twellman)
12:00 p.m.: G2. Portugal vs. G3. Ghana at Estádio Nacional Mané Garrincha, Brasilia
- ESPN2
4:00 p.m.: H4. South Korea vs. H1. Belgium at Arena Corinthians, São Paulo
- ESPN
4:00 p.m.: H2. Algeria vs. H3. Russia at Estádio Beira-Rio, Porto Alegre
- ESPN2
Round of 16
From here on, team designations refer to place in the group standings. For example. 1C. is the first-place finisher in Group C, not team C1 in the Group Stage.
Saturday, June 28
12:00 p.m.: Match 49, 1A vs. 2B. at Estádio Mineirão, Belo Horizonte
- ABC
4:00 p.m.: Match 50, 1C vs. 2D. at Estadio do Maracanã, Rio de Janeiro
- ABC
Sunday, June 29
12:00 p.m.: Match 51, 1B. vs. 2A. at Estádio Castelão, Fortaleza
- ESPN
4:00 p.m.: Match 52, 1D. vs. 2C. at Arena Pernambuco, Recife
- ESPN
Monday, June 30
12:00 p.m.: Match 53, 1E. vs. 2F. at Estádio Nacional Mané Garrincha, Brasilia 
- ESPN
4:00 p.m.: Match 54, 1G. vs. 2H. at Estádio Beira-Rio, Porto Alegre 
- ESPN
Tuesday, July 1
12:00 p.m.: Match 55, 1F. vs. 2E. at Arena Corinthians, São Paulo 
- ESPN
4:00 p.m.: Match 56, 1H. vs. 2G. at Arena Fonte Nova, Salvador
- ESPN

Quarterfinals

Friday, July 4
12:00 p.m.: Match 58, Winner of Match 53 vs. Winner of Match 54 at Estadio do Maracanã, Rio de Janeiro
- ESPN2
4:00 p.m.: Match 57, Winner of Match 49 vs. Winner of Match 50 at Estádio Castelão, Fortaleza
- ESPN
Saturday, July 5
12:00 p.m.: Match 60, Winner of Match 55 vs. Winner of Match 56 at Estádio Nacional Mané Garrincha, Brasilia
- ABC
4:00 p.m. Match 59, Winner of Match 51 vs. Winner of Match 52 at Arena Fonte Nova, Salvador
- ESPN
Yes, Match 58 kicks off before Match 57 and Match 60 kicks off before Match 59. FIFA does strange things sometimes, because it can.

Semifinals

Tuesday, July 8
4:00 p.m.: Match 61, Winner of Match 57 vs. Winner of Match 58 at Estádio Mineirão, Belo Horizonte
- ESPN
Wednesday, July 9
4:00 p.m.: Match 52, Winner of Match 59 vs. Winner of Match 60 at Arena Corinthians, São Paulo 
- ESPN

Third Place Game

Saturday, July 12
4:00 p.m.: Loser of Match 61 vs. Loser of Match 62 at Estádio Nacional Mané Garrincha, Brasilia
- ESPN

Championship Game

Sunday, July 13
4:00 p.m.: Winner of Match 61 vs. Winner of Match 62 at Estadio do Maracanã, Rio de Janeiro
- ABC