Memorial Day RKP

Tune in to The Sports Hub from 3-7pm for a Memorial Day Edition of The Rich Keefe Project. 

USA Select Team

13 players were named to the 2014 USA Select Team.  These guys will play against the World Cup team as they get ready for competition.  I wouldn't say these are the best young players going, but certainly a talented group.  Only two rookies made the team and they were not Jabari Parker and Aaron Gordon. Instead Celtics PG Marcus Smart and Bulls F Doug McDermott.   Here's the full squad. 

Harrison Barnes (Golden State Warriors)

Trey Burke (Utah Jazz)

Jimmy Butler (Chicago Bulls)

Draymond Green (Golden State Warriors)

Tim Hardaway Jr. (New York Knicks) 

Tobias Harris (Orlando Magic) 

Doug McDermott (Chicago Bulls)

Victor Oladipo (Orlando Magic)

Mason Plumlee (Brooklyn Nets)

Miles Plumlee (Phoenix Suns)

Marcus Smart (Boston Celtics)

Dion Waiters (Cleveland Cavaliers)

Cody Zeller (Charlotte Hornets)

USA Hoops Roster for World Cup

Team USA has narrowed their group of players down to 19 with only 12 spots available for this summers FIBA World Cup.  Here's the crew right now...

Bradley Beal, Wizards

DeMarcus Cousins, Kings

Stephen Curry, Warriors

Anthony Davis, Pelicans

DeMar DeRozan, Raptors

Andre Drummond, Pistons

Kevin Durant, Thunder

Kenneth Faried, Nuggets

Paul George, Pacers

Blake Griffin, Clippers

James Harden, Rockets

Gordon Hayward, Jazz

Kyrie Irving, Cavaliers

Kyle Korver, Hawks

Damian Lillard, Trail Blazers

Kevin Love, Timberwolves 

Chandler Parsons, Mavericks

Derrick Rose, Bulls

Klay Thompson, Warriors

Tournament starts August 30th.  Team USA opens with Finland. 

They are in Group C:

USA

Turkey

Dominican Republic

Finland

New Zealand

Ukraine

Murderers row. 

Happy 4th Weekend Sports Fans

U.S. Men's World Cup Team Roster Announced

GOALKEEPERS (3): 
Brad Guzan (Aston Villa) 
Tim Howard (Everton) 
Nick Rimando (Real Salt Lake)

DEFENDERS (8): 
DaMarcus Beasley (Puebla) 
Matt Besler (Sporting Kansas City) 
John Brooks (Hertha Berlin) 
Geoff Cameron (Stoke City) 
Timmy Chandler (Nürnberg) 
Omar Gonzalez (LA Galaxy) 
Fabian Johnson (Borussia Mönchengladbach) 
DeAndre Yedlin (Seattle Sounders FC)

MIDFIELDERS (8): 
Kyle Beckerman (Real Salt Lake) 
Alejandro Bedoya (Nantes) 
Michael Bradley (Toronto FC) 
Brad Davis (Houston Dynamo) 
Mix Diskerud (Rosenborg) 
Julian Green (Bayern Munich) 
Jermaine Jones (Besiktas) 
Graham Zusi (Sporting Kansas City)

FORWARDS (4): 
Jozy Altidore (Sunderland) 
Clint Dempsey (Seattle Sounders FC) 
Aron Johannsson (AZ Alkmaar) 
Chris Wondolowski (San Jose Earthquakes)



No Landon Donovan?  What in the hell?  I don't know everything, but I know Donovan is U.S. soccer.  Good luck getting out of the Group of Death.  Unreal.

USA is in GROUP G with Germany, Portugal, and Ghana.

Game 1 is June 16th vs. Ghana.

Bronze Schmonze

Before the tournament I thought Team USA would finish 4th.  Then they beat down Slovakia and Oshie'd Russia.  I then said they'd win Gold.  

They finished 4th.  Do I get credit for this?  I did predict it.  Who cares. 

Finland got Bronze.  Now the question is: do I get up at 7am for Sweden-Canada gold medal game?

Olympic Hockey Semifinals

Final 4 will be played this FRIDAY.  Here are the match ups, winners play for Gold, losers for Bronze.

1. SWEDEN

4. FINLAND\
(7:00 am)
 

2. USA

3. CANADA

(12:00 pm)
 

Quarterfinals:

Sweden 5-0 over Slovenia

Finland 3-1 over Russia

USA 5-2 over Czech Republic

Canada 2-1 over Latvia

Olympic Hockey Quarterfinals

It's down to the Final 8 out in Sochi.  Here are the match ups with the start times.  All games are on WEDNESDAY.

1. SWEDEN
8. SLOVENIA
(3:00 am)

4. FINLAND
5. RUSSIA
(7:30 am)

3. CANADA
11. LATVIA
(12:00 pm)

2. USA
7. CZECH REPUBLIC
(12:00 pm)


Qualification Round:

Slovenia 4-0 over Austria
Russia 4-0 over Norway
Latvia 3-1 over Switzerland
Czech Republic 5-3 over Slovakia

Olympic Hockey Standings Thru Group Play

Group play is over.  All 12 teams are still alive, the group winners along with the best second place team receive a bye into the quarterfinals, while the other eight teams square off in the qualification round on Tuesday.  Single elimination the rest of the way.  Here are the final standings 1-12, along with the upcoming match ups.
(Records = Win-Loss-OT Win-OT Loss)

1. Sweden (3-0-0-0)

2. USA (2-0-1-0)

3. Canada (2-0-1-0)

4. Finland (2-0-0-1)

5. Russia (1-0-1-1)

6. Switzerland (2-1-0-0)

7. Czech Republic (1-2-0-0)

8. Slovenia (1-2-0-0)

9. Austria (1-2-0-0)

10. Slovakia (0-2-0-1)

11. Latvia (0-3-0-0)

12. Norway (0-3-0-0)

Qualification Round:

RUSSIA vs. NORWAY - winner faces FINLAND

SWITZERLAND vs. LATVIA - winner faces CANADA

CZECH REPUBLIC vs. SLOVAKIA - winner faces USA

SLOVENIA vs. AUSTRIA - winner faces SWEDEN

USA!

USA beat Russia 3-2 in a shootout.   Why is T.J. Oshie on the team?  Oh, because he's the best shootout guy in the history of shootouts, that's why.  

Hey World, don't go to OT vs. the USA. 

Olympic Hockey Off And Running

All 12 teams have played their first game.  Here is a quick look at the results

Sweden 4
Czech Republic 2

CZH Jaromir Jagr goal (1) 

Switzerland 1
Latvia 0

USA 7
Slovakia 1

USA Phil Kessel goal (1), 2 assists
USA Paul Statsny 2 goals
USA James van Riemsdyk 3 assists

Russia 5
Slovenia 2

RUS Ovechkin, Malkin, Kovalchuk goal a piece

Finland 8
Austria 4

Canada 3
Norway 1

CAN Patrice Bergeron 2 assists


Keefe's Official Power Rankings After 1 Game
1. USA
2. Sweden
3. Finland
4. Russia
5. Canada
6. Switzerland
7. Czech Republic
8. Norway
9. Slovenia
10. Latvia
11. Austria
12. Slovakia

Hockey Olympians by NHL Team

Anaheim Ducks (7):
Cam Fowler, D, USA
Ryan Getzlaf, F, Canada
Jonas Hiller, G, Switzerland
Corey Perry, F, Canada
Teemu Selanne, F, Finland
Jakob Silfervberg, F, Sweden
Sami Vatanen, D, Finland

Boston Bruins (5):
Zdeno Chara, D, Slovakia
Patrice Bergeron, F, Canada
Tuukka Rask, G, Finland
David Krejci, F, Czech Republic
Loui Eriksson, F, Sweden

Buffalo Sabres (4):
Ryan Miller, G, USA
Jhonas Enroth, G, Sweden
Zemgus Girgensons, F, Latvia
Henrik Tallinder, F, Sweden

Calgary Flames (2):
Reto Berra, G, Switzerland
Ladislav Smid, D, Czech Republic

Carolina Hurricanes (3):
Justin Faulk, D, USA
Tuomo Ruutu, F, Finland
Andrej Sekera, D, Slovakia

Chicago Blackhawks (10):
Patrick Kane, F, USA
Jonathan Toews, F, Canada
Patrick Sharp, F, Canada
Duncan Keith, D, Canada
Michal Handzus, F, Slovakia
Niklas Hjalmarsson, D, Sweden
Marian Hossa, F, Slovakia
Marcus Kruger, F, Sweden
Johnny Oduya, D, Sweden
Michal Rozsival, D, Czech Republic

Colorado Avalanche (4):
Paul Stastny, F, USA
Matt Duchene, F, Canada
Gabriel Landeskog, F, Sweden
Semyon Varlamov, G, Russia

Columbus Blue Jackets (5):
Artem Anisimov, F, Russia
Sergei Brobrovsky, G, Russia
Marian Gaborik, F, Slovakia
Nikita Nikiten, D, Russia
Fedor Tyutin, D, Russia

Dallas Stars (3):
Jamie Benn, F, Canada
Kari Lehtonen, G, Finland
Valeri Nichushkin, F, Russia

Detroit Red Wings (10):
Daniel Alfredsson, F, Sweden
Pavel Datsyuk, F, Russia
Johnathan Ericsson, D, Sweden
Johan Franzen, F, Sweden
Jonas Gustavsson, G, Sweden
Jimmy Howard, G, USA
Niklas Kronwall, D, Sweden
Tomas Tatar, F, Slovakia
Tomas Jurco, F, Slovakia
Henrik Zetterberg, F, Sweden

Edmonton Oilers (3):
Ales Hemsky, F, Czech Republic
Anton Belov, D, Russia
Martin Marincin, D, Slovakia

Florida Panthers (2):
Aleksander Barkov, F, Finland
Tomas Kopecky, F, Slovakia

Los Angeles Kings (6):
Dustin Brown, F, USA
Jeff Carter, F, Canada
Drew Doughty, D, Canada
Jonathan Quick, G, USA
Anze Kopitar, C, Slovenia
Slava Voynov, D, Russia

Minnesota Wild (5):
Zach Parise, F, USA
Ryan Suter, D, USA
Nino Niederreiter, F, Switzerland
Mikko Koivu, F, Finland
Mikeal Granlund, F, Finland

Montreal Canadiens (8):
Max Pacioretty, F, USA
Carey Price, G, Canada
P.K. Subban, D, Canada
Tomas Plekanic, F, Czech Republic
Andrei Markov, D, Russia
Alexei Emelin, D, Russia
Raphael Diaz, D, Switzerland
Peter Budaj, G, Slovakia

Nashville Predators (2):
Shea Weber, D, Canada
Roman Josi, D, Switzerland

New Jersey Devils (4):
Jaromir Jagr, F, Czech Republic
Patrick Elias, F, Czech Republic
Damien Brunner, F, Switzerland
Marek Zidlicky, D, Czech Republic

New York Islanders (4):
John Tavares, F, Canada
Thomas Vanek, F, Austria
Michael Grabner, F, Austria
Lubomir Visnovsky, D, Slovakia

New York Rangers (7):
Ryan Callahan, F, USA
Ryan McDonugh, D, USA
Henrik Lundqvist, G, Sweden
Rick Nash, F, Canada
Derek Stepan, F, USA
Carl Hagelin, F, Sweden
Mats Zuccarello, F, Norway

Ottawa Senators (2):
Milan Michalek, F, Czech Republic
Erik Karlsson, D, Sweden

Philadelphia Flyers (5):
Kimmon Timonen, D, Finland
Michael Raffl, F, Austria
Andrej Meszaros, D, Slovakia
Mark Streit, D, Switzerland
Jakub Voracek, F, Czech Republic

Phoenix Coyotes (5):
Mike Smith, G, Canada
Martin Hanzal, F, Czech Republic
Oliver Ekman-Larsson, D, Sweden
Lauri Korpikoski, F, Finland
Zbynek Michalek, D, Czech Republic

Pittsburgh Penguins (7):
Sidney Crosby, F, Canada
Evgeni Malkin, F, Russia
Chris Kunitz, F, Canada
Paul Martin, D, USA
Brooks Orpik, D, USA
Jussi Jokinen, F, Finland
Olli Maatta, D, Finland

San Jose Sharks (4):
Patrick Marleau, F, Canada
Joe Pavelski, F, USA
Antti Niemi, G, Finland
Marc Edouard-Vlasic, D, Canada

St. Louis Blues (10):
David Backus, F, USA
T.J. Oshie, F, USA
Kevin Shattenkirk, D, USA
Alexander Steen, F, Sweden
Vladimir Tarasenko, F, Russia
Vladimir Sobotka, F, Czech Republic
Patrik Berglund, F, Sweden
Jay Bouwmeester, D, Canada
Jaroslav Halak, G, Slovakia
Alex Pietrangelo, D, Canada

Tampa Bay Lightning (6):
Steven Stamkos, F, Canada
Sami Salo, D, Finland
Richard Panik, F, Slovakia
Ondrej Palat, F, Czech Republic
Radko Gudas, F, Czech Republic
Valtteri Filppula, F, Finland

Toronto Maple Leafs (3):
Phil Kessel, F, USA
James van Riemsdyk, F, USA
Nikolai Kulemin, F, Russia

Vancouver Canucks (7):
Henrik Sedin, F, Sweden
Daniel Sedin, F, Sweden
Ryan Kesler, F, USA
Roberto Luongo, G, Canada
Yannick Weber, D, Switzerland
Dan Hamhuis, D, Canada
Alexander Edler, D, Sweden

Washington Capitals (3):
Alexander Ovechkin, F, Russia
Nicklas Backstrom, F, Sweden
John Carlson, D, USA

Winnipeg Jets (4):
Blake Wheeler, F, USA
Ondrej Pavelec, G, Czech Republic
Olli Jokinen, C, Finland
Michael Frolik, F, Czech Republic

2014 Olympics: Team USA Hockey Roster

Goalies:

Ryan Miller - Buffalo Sabres

Jonathan Quick - Los Angeles Kings

Jimmy Howard - Detroit Red Wings

Defensemen:

John Carlson - Washington Capitals

Justin Faulk - Carolina Hurricanes

Cam Fowler - Anaheim Ducks

Paul Martin - Pittsburgh Penguins

Ryan McDonagh - New York Rangers

Brooks Orpik - Pittsburgh Penguins

Kevin Shattenkirk - St. Louis Blues

Ryan Suter - Minnesota Wild

Forwards:

David Backes - St. Louis Blues

Dustin Brown - Los Angeles Kings

Ryan Callahan - New York Rangers

Patrick Kane - Chicago Blackhawks

Ryan Kesler - Vancouver Canucks

Phil Kessel - Toronto Maple Leafs

T.J. Oshie - St. Louis Blues

Max Pacioretty - Montreal Canadiens

Zach Parise - Minnesota Wild

Joe Pavelski - San Jose Sharks

Paul Stastny - Colorado Avalanche

Derek Stepan - New York Rangers

James van Riemsdyk - Toronto Maple Leafs

Blake Wheeler - Winnipeg Jets

Omissions/ Possible Injury Replacements:

Bobby Ryan

Jack Johnson

Keith Yandle

Brandon Saad

Jason Pommenville

Picking Team USA

-KeefeThe NBA Finals is just the start for what should be a tremendous summer for basketball. August will bring the 2008 Beijing Olympics, and a chance for Team USA to recapture their rightful title as the World’s Best Basketball Team. 2004 was the first time since using pros (not using Dream Teams, there is only 1 Dream Team. Don't compare any other team to the one in '92 with Jordan, Magic, Bird, Barkley, Ewing, Robinson, Malone, Stockton, Pippen, Mullen, Drexler, and token college star Laettner, that was a Dream Team). USA followed up that Gold two more in '96 and 2000. But 4 years ago there was a rude awakening. Other countries could, in fact, play the game. The likes of Manu Ginobili, Luis Scola, Andres Nocioni, Carlos Delfino, Walter Herrmann, Fabricio Oberto, and Argentina took home the top prize. America didn’t even made it to the final game, and settled for the Bronze.

A concerted effort has since been put in place to lead the US back to the top of the hoops mountain. Jerry Colangelo serves as the managing director of the team. He selected Coach K to lead his squad and set up a program where he got a commitment from many star players. Instead of choosing 12 All-Stars and maybe have a scrimmage or two before being tossed into major competition, Colangelo turned this into a real team that can be built upon. It was evident in the FIBA Tournament of the Ameircas where Team USA steam rolled the every squad in their path, but this summer they'll be playing against the world's best.

33 finalists were chosen a couple years ago to both qualify for and win the Olympic games. With less than 2 months before the Opening Ceremony, I thought I would offer my humble opinion on who should make up this “Gold Medal or Bust” team. There has still been no official word on who the 12 players will be, but looking at the lists of hopefuls you can clearly see, locks to me on, and locks to be off. Let’s take a look.

The 33 players available to Team USA:

Carmelo Anthony
Gilbert Arenas
Shane Battier
Chauncey Billups
Chris Bosh
Carlos Boozer
Bruce Bowen
Elton Brand
Kobe Bryant
Tyson Chandler
Nick Collison
Kevin Durant
Kirk Hinrich
Dwight Howard
Joe Johnson
Jason Kidd
LeBron James
Antawn Jamison
Shawn Marion
Brad Miller
Mike Miller
Adam Morrison
Greg Oden
Lamar Odom
Chris Paul
Paul Pierce
Tayshaun Prince
Michael Redd
J.J. Redick
Luke Ridnour
Amare Stoudemire
Dwayne Wade
Deron Williams

For my first round of cuts I will simply get rid of the obvious picks. Some of these guys just have no business being on Team USA in 2008, and in a few cases, ever.

1st cuts: Bruce Bowen, Nick Collison, Kevin Durant, Kirk Hinrich, Brad Miller, Adam Morrison, Greg Oden, J.J. Redick, Luke Ridnour

That leaves you with 24 players, exactly twice as many guys as you are allowed to dress out in Beijing.

Remaining players:

Carmelo Anthony
Gilbert Arenas
Shane Battier
Chauncey Billups
Chris Bosh
Carlos Boozer
Elton Brand
Kobe Bryant
Tyson Chandler
Dwight Howard
Joe Johnson
Jason Kidd
LeBron James
Antawn Jamison
Shawn Marion
Mike Miller
Lamar Odom
Chris Paul
Paul Pierce
Tayshaun Prince
Michael Redd
Amare Stoudemire
Dwayne Wade
Deron Williams

2nd round of cuts gets rid of 6 very talented players. It’s difficult picking any of these players to leave behind. Injuries play a major role in saying goodbye to most (not all) of these guys. They may be healthy by Beijing, but after missing time in the regular season no need to rush back with so many other able bodies. I’ll have to reluctantly part with: Gilbert Arenas, Shane Battier, Chauncey Billups, Elton Brand, Shawn Marion, and Tayshaun Prince.

Remaining players:

Carmelo Anthony
Chris Bosh
Carlos Boozer
Kobe Bryant
Tyson Chandler
Dwight Howard
Joe Johnson
Jason Kidd
LeBron James
Antawn Jamison
Mike Miller
Lamar Odom
Chris Paul
Paul Pierce
Michael Redd
Amare Stoudemire
Dwayne Wade
Deron Williams

Now you have to start looking at positions. If you’ve seen the international games you know that it’s different that just a point guard, shooting guard, small forward, power forward, and center. Quality lineups usually have 1 big man, a point guard, and basically 3 wing type players.

Point guards left: Jason Kidd, Chris Paul, Deron Williams

Wing/ slasher/ shooters left: Carmelo Anthony, Kobe Bryant, Joe Johnson, LeBron James, (Antawn Jamison), Mike Miller, Lamar Odom, Paul Pierce, Michael Redd, Dwayne Wade

Big men: Chris Bosh, Carlos Boozer, Tyson Chandler, Dwight Howard, (Antawn Jamison), Amare Stoudemire

In my opinion you need 2-3 from group 1, 6-7 group 2, and 3-4 from group 3.

Starters: Chris Paul, Kobe Bryant, Carmelo Anthony, LeBron James, Dwight Howard

2nd unit: Deron Williams, Dwayne Wade, Michael Redd, Antawn Jamison, Amare Stoudemire

That’s my 10 man squad; therefore you’re left to pick 2 players out of the following: Jason Kidd, Joe Johnson, Mike Miller, Lamar Odom, Paul Pierce, Chris Bosh, Carlos Boozer, and Tyson Chandler.

There are 2 point guards, 5(6) wings, and 2(3) big men. Probably should take a low post rebounder type (Bosh, Boozer, or Chandler) and a slasher/ scorer (Johnson, Miller, Odom, Pierce). I love Paul Pierce, (he’s my favorite player and pre-series pick for Finals MVP) but his history with the front office of Team USA, and fellow wing players will keep him off. Miller isn’t bad, but with Redd on the team he can stay home, and Lamar Odom doesn’t do it for me here either. I’ll take Joe Johnson, a guy who can do it all, and as the 11th man that’s a luxury. Up front is difficult to sort out. Chandler is the best defender/rebounder, Boozer the best scorer, and Bosh probably a combination of the two. You’ll do well with any of these guys. However I wouldn’t expect a ton of time from any of them. It’s hard to leave Kidd out, and maybe they’ll want his experience, but his play in Dallas coupled with the growth of both Paul and Williams leave him off my roster.

So here is my 2008 Team USA Olympic Team:

Carmelo Anthony
Chris Bosh
Kobe Bryant
Dwight Howard
Joe Johnson
LeBron James
Antawn Jamison
Chris Paul
Michael Redd
Amare Stoudemire
Dwayne Wade
Deron Williams

Let’s hope they can bring back the gold.