Louisville Football signs 4 during Early Signing Period

                       It's no secret that the Louisville football team struggled to say the least this season, finishing with a record of 2-10 with wins over Indiana State and Western Kentucky. This led to Vince Tyra making the decision to fire head coach Bobby Petrino on November 11th after the team gave up at least 50 points in a 3rd straight game which seemed to be a trend by seasons end with the defense giving up at least 50 points an FBS record 7 times.  
                     A few weeks later Tyra hired coach Scott Satterfield away from Appalachian St. I am saying all this to say this has put Louisville behind the eight ball when it comes to the early signing period for football. Petrino being fired not only led to decommits but also led to transfers. If I had to guess I would say these at least 3 of these 4 guys will be early enrollees in January. 


First signie is Aidan Robbins the 6-3 220 lb RB out of Dupont Manual in Louisville, KY:

 Second Louisville flipped Evan Conley the 6-1 205 lb QB from Marietta, GA from Appalachian St:



Third to sign was Zach Williamson a 6-6 275lb OT out of Huntington, WV:



Fourth to sign was Dorian Jones a 6-0 219 lb ILB from Plantation, FL who flipped from IU:

JJ Weaver Commits to UK

  Today I got the honor and privilege to witness one of the former players I used to coach commit to play college football today. Check out a couple of photos as well as a short interview I did with JJ Weaver!



Itunes:

JJ Weaver Commits to UK

Soundcloud:

Louisville fires head football coach Bobby Petrino by Beef

     The University of Louisville has fired its head football coach Bobby Petrino. Listen here to my thoughts on this decision and where they will go from here.



Apple listeners click link below. Android users click play on Soundcloud:

Bobby Petrino out as Louisville head football coach

Episode 61

Episode 61 is my first solo episode in a while! In this episode I catch you up on UofL Basketball, Football, as well as the college basketball season getting underway!









Apple:

Episode 61 of Beef's Beef

Episode 60 with Richard Gatewood By: Beef

Last week I had the pleasure of interviewing my good friend Richard Gatewood about his time in coaching at 22ft Academy in South Carolina. Below you will find the episode as well as the pictures he took of the players "dorm". Give this episode a listen and check out the crazy conditions these players were living in.

Beef's Beef NBA Preview

            Myself and my buddies always seem to debate what we think about the upcoming seasons in professional sports. I asked the opinions of my cousin Jerry Lee Nalley and my three buddies Tony Robinson, John Iacono, and BJ Cadle. Here are our thoughts and predictions on what we think will happen:

	Beef	Tony	John	Jerry Lee	BJ
MVP	Kyrie Irving	Giannis	Giannis	Giannis	Giannis
MIP	Jabari Parker	Brandon Ingram	Josh Richardson	OG Anunoby	Markelle Fultz
ROY	Luka Doncic	Luka Doncic	Luka Doncic	Deandre Ayton	Luka Doncic
COY	Nate McMillan	Brad Stevens	Mike Budenholzer	Brad Stevens	Brad Stevens
DPOY	Rudy Gobert	Anthony Davis	Anthony Davis	Rudy Gobert	Rudy Gobert
6th Man	Terry Rozier	Terry Rozier	Lou Williams	JJ Reddick	Dennis Schroder

	Beef	Tony	John	Jerry Lee	BJ
Eastern	1. Boston	1. Boston	1. Boston	1. Boston	1. Boston
	2. Toronto	2. Toronto	2. Milwaukee	2. Toronto	2. Toronto
	3. Indiana	3. Milwaukee	3. Philadelphia	3. Philadelphia	3. Philadelphia
	4. Milwaukee	4. Philadelphia	4. Toronto	4. Indiana	4. Indiana
	5. Philadelphia	5. Indiana	5.Indiana	5. Milwaukee	5. Milwaukee
	6. Washington	6. Washington	6. Washington	6. Washington	6. Washington
	7. Chicago	7. Miami	7. Miami	7. Chicago	7. Cleveland
	8. Miami	8. Detroit	8. Cleveland	8. Charlotte	8. Detroit

	Beef	Tony	John	Jerry Lee	BJ
Western	1. Golden St	1. Golden St	1. Golden St	1. Golden St	1. Golden St
	2. Houston	2. Houston	2. Houston	2. Houston	2. Houston
	3. OKC	3. Utah	3. Utah	3. LAL	3. Utah
	4. Utah	4. LAL	4. Minnesota	4. Utah	4. OKC
	5. Minnesota	5. Minnesota	5. LAL	5. San Antonio	5. Denver
	6. Portland	6. Denver	6. OKC	6. Denver	6. Portland
	7. San Antonio	7. OKC	7. Denver	7. Portland	7. LAL
	8. LAL	8. San Antonio	8. New Orleans	8. New Orleans	8. San Antonio

	Beef	Tony	John	Jerry Lee	BJ
ECF	Bos over Tor	Bos over Tor	Bos over Mil	Bos over Tor	Bos over Tor
WCF	GS over OKC	GS over Utah	GS over Hou	GS over LAL	GS over Utah
Finals	GS over Bos	GS over Bos	Bos over GS	GS over Bos	GS over Bos
Champs	Golden St	Golden St	Boston	Golden St	Golden St

NBA Draft Grades By: Beef

Atlanta Hawks	A	Trae Young (5th) Kevin Huerter (19th) Omari Spellman (30th)	You could definitely tell what Atlanta's main focus was coming into the 2018 draft: shooting. I'd say they hit the nail on the head with that.
Boston Celtics	A-	Robert Williams (27th)	Danny Ainge does it again. I mean Robert Williams did drop into his lap but the steal of the draft in my opinion at 27. The Celtics need a solid big that battles and can catch lobs.
Brooklyn Nets	C	Dzanan Musa (29th) Rodions Kurucs (40th)	The Nets really did nothing in my opinion to help out their current situation. They traded for Dwight Howard just to cut ties with him it seems. Musa is a great scorer but Kurucs is injury prone.
Charlotte Hornets	C	Miles Bridges (12th) Devonte Graham (34th)	It's no secret that I'm not a fan of Miles Bridges and I'm not sold on Devonte Graham being a viable NBA point guard. All indications point to Kemba Walker being out of Charlotte either this season or next and the Hornets did nothing to try and fill that void. They could've draft Gilgeous-Alexander but traded back one spot to take Bridges.
Chicago Bulls	B+	Wendell Carter Jr (7th) Chandler Hutchison (22nd)	Still not 100% sold on Kris Dunn as Chicago's point guard of the future but I love their pickups. Carter Jr will give them a solid, young big man that can compliment Markanen while Hutchison needs to improve his three point shooting his length and athleticism will definitely help.
Cleveland Cavaliers	A-	Collin Sexton (8th)	Sexton was in my opinion the best point guard in this draft. Has great tempo and a great handle. Solid defender who never takes a play off. Needs to improve his shooting as well as his assist turnover ratio which was just under 2:1.
Dallas Mavericks	A	Luka Doncic (3rd) Jalen Brunson (33rd) Raymond Spalding (56th) Kostas Antetokounmpo (60th)	Outside of Ayton, Doncic was my favorite player in this draft. Dynamic player that could be the best Euro player the NBA has ever seen. Is more of a point forward but the back court of Doncic and Smith will be fun to watch. Picking up Brunson when they did as well as Spalding to me were great picks and who wouldn't want to take a chance on a Antetokounmpo?
Denver Nuggets	B-	Michael Porter Jr (14th) Jarred Vanderbilt (41st) Thomas Welsh (58th)	Some people may look at my grade for Denver and think it is kind of harsh and it very well may be. But drafting Porter Jr in the lottery when now it has come out that he may sit out the summer as well as his first season is kind of crazy to me. Vanderbilt had a decent Freshman season but outside of rebounding doesn't really bring much to the table, isn't gonna blow by you or shoot over you. Welsh, was never really that impressive while at UCLA, good outside shot but had the tendency to disappear in big moments and has problems with athletic big men.
Detroit Pistons	A	Khyri Thomas (38th) Bruce Brown (42nd)	Detroit cleaned up in this draft if you ask me. Getting the smooth shooting Thomas at 38 and the athletic wing Brown at 42 were steals. I had seen both as 1st rounders in some mocks. I think the biggest reason these guys dropped the way they did is because of their age, Thomas is 22 whereas Brown will be turning 22 in August.
Golden State Warriors	B-	Jacob Evans (28th)	I have never been one to trust guards from Cincinnati and I'm not gonna start now. Evans, a solid defender but doesn't bring much offense to speak of.
Houston Rockets	C	De'Anthony Melton (46th) Vincent Edwards (52nd)	An undersized SG at 6'3 Melton only averaged 8.3 ppg and had to sit out last season because of the FBI investigations. Edwards gives you an experienced who does all the little things.
Indiana Pacers	B-	Aaron Holiday (23rd) Alize Johnson (50th)	The Pacers needed to add PG depth with only having Cory Joseph and Darren Collison under contract for one more season. Holiday is a great scorer who should compliment the weapons the Pacers already have in Oladipo and Turner. Not really sure what the reasoning was to pick Johnson though who is a struggling shooter which doesn't make sense in today's NBA. Johnson being a tweener at 6'8 215 doesn't fit that mold.
LA Clippers	A	Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (11th) Jerome Robinson (13th)	Trading up to 11 was a great move by the Clippers. They may have found their guy to replace CP3. SGA has great length and athleticism but could improve his ball movement a some. Robinson is a bonafide scorer but lacks on the defensive end. Overall I think they definitely helped themselves out with these picks.
LA Lakers	B	Moritz Wagner (25th) Isaac Bonga (39th) Svi Mykhailiuk (47th)	All you've heard since the Finals ended was is LeBron going to the Lakers. The consensus is they wanted to get shooters to surround LeBron and they did so with Mykhailiuk and somewhat Wagner. Wagner is a big man with good size but doesn't have the rim protecting ability you'd like to see with his size and length. Bonga is a long athletic wing who needs to put on some muscle but could help LA in the future.
Memphis Grizzlies	B+	Jaren Jackson Jr (4th) Jevon Carter (32nd)	As much as I loved Memphis picking Jackson Jr I didn't like their pick of Carter at 32 when you still had Jalen Brunson on the board. Jackson will bring the Grizzlies a solid interior defender as well as being a solid outside shooter.
Miami Heat	N/a	No pick	No pick
Milwaukee Bucks	A-	Dante DeVencenzo (17th)	The Bucks came into the draft needing backcourt depth but with only having one pick they couldn't miss and I don't think they did with this one. DeVencenzo had a solid career at Villanova and should have no problem transitioning to the pro game.
Minnesota Timberwolves	A	Josh Okogie (20th) Keita Bates Diop (48th)	I really liked what Minnesota did. Going and getting Okogie who fits what Thibodeau is all about in a defender. Maybe he can help get them back to where they need to be in that aspect. Bates Diop had been ranked by a lot of other mocks as a fringe 1st rounder so getting him at 48 is a steal.
New Orleans Pelicans	B	Tony Carr (51st)	Rondo, Ian Clark, and Jordan Crawford are all unrestricted free agents. So needing a guard and only having the 51st pick doesn't mix very well. Carr is a great shooter and is a solid pickup at this point in the draft.
New York Knicks	B+	Kevin Knox (9th) Mitchell Robinson (36th)	Of course the Knicks couldn't pick without their fanbase complaining about it but I think the Knox pick and even the Robinson pick have the potential to be great ones. Robinson is a virtual unknown because he sat out all of last season at WKU while Knox was somewhat inconsistent he can fill it up. Knox has the potential to be a Kevin Durant type player ( not saying he'll be Durant) just saying with his size and outside shot I think this is a great pickup for the Knicks.
OKC Thunder	B-	Hamidou Diallo (45th) Devon Hall (53rd) Kevin Hervey (57th)	Its tough to find a player that will be a contributor from day one or sometimes a contributor at all in the 2nd round. It seems as if they drafted three different types of wings to hope that one of them works out. Diallo is an athletic project that lacks outside shooting, Hall being a drive to the basket type guy that can knock down the three if left open but lacks quickness, while Hervey is a 3&D type player that has had two major knee surgeries.
Orlando Magic	B	Mohamed Bamba (6th) Melvin Frazier (35th) Justin Jackson (43rd)	Bamba has the potential to be a great pickup for the Magic. Has great size and incredible length but definitely needs to bulk up or he will get beat up in the lane. Frazier comes in as a guy who struggles with turnovers and isn't a very good outside shooter and Jackson missed most of the season with a serious shoulder injury.
Philadelphia 76ers	A	Zhaire Smith (16th) Landry Shamet (26th) Shake Milton (54th)	Philadelphia had the chance to draft it's hometown son (Mikal Bridges) but did the next best thing in trading back getting a solid pick in Zhaire Smith and getting more draft picks in the process. Shamet I'm not real big on but has good value at 26. Shake Milton on the other hand is a steal at 54.
Phoenix Suns	A+	DeAndre Ayton (1st) Mikal Bridges (10th) Elie Okobo (31st) George King (59th)	Phoenix to me cleaned up in this draft with just their first two picks. Ayton is a once in a lifetime type talent while Bridges seems ready to come in and contribute from day 1. Okobo is a score first point guard that has to learn to be a passer. Could definitely benefit from playing off of Booker, Jackson, and Ayton.
Portland Trailblazers	B	Anfernee Simons (24th) Gary Trent Jr (37th)	The Blazers are defintely taking a chance but they could come out on the right side of that with Simons. Although, these two picks were head scratchers unless they're expecting Lillard or McCollum to leave soon.
Sacramento Kings	A	Marvin Bagley (2nd)	Having only one pick and it being #2 it was tough for Sacramento to mess this pick up. Bagley is a Chris Bosh clone but like I said I feel like they couldn't miss with Bagley or Doncic. Shouldn't have any problem contributing from day one.
San Antonio Spurs	A	Lonnie Walker (18th) Chimezie Metu (47th)	At first I couldn't believe Lonnie Walker dropped as far as he did, then came the rumors of medical problems. I think a guard of his caliber in the Spurs system could be a nightmare for the NBA. Metu is a thin solid outside shooting PF/C who has great length and is a good defender as well.
Toronto Raptors	N/a	No pick	No pick
Utah Jazz	B	Grayson Allen (21st)	Utah having one pick needed to add depth to the wing position. Although I'm not the biggest fan of Allen I think they get a great shooter as well as a guy that's hard nosed and knows how to win.
Washington Wizards	B	Troy Brown (15th) Issuf Sanon (44th)	Brown brings great length and athleticism to the guard spot for the Wizards. Now I wouldn't call him a terrible shooter I also wouldn't call him a knockdown shooter either. Just like John Wall Sanon is a tall, long PG at 6'4 with a 6'5 wingspan. Nowhere near the player Wall is I would call him a poor man's John Wall with potential.

NBA 1st round Mock Draft By: Beef

            
         So my buddy John Iacono had a great idea today of taking turns and mock drafting the 1st round of tonight's NBA Draft. We started with three people then one of us (Tony) had to quit because he was busy. Our plan was to draft players to the team you cheer for, but with Tony leaving I drafted the Lakers pick. So let us know what you think:


1. Phoenix Suns- Deandre Ayton- 7-1 C (Arizona)- Beef
2. Sacramento Kings- Marvin Bagley- 6-11 (Duke)- John
3. Atlanta Hawks- Luka Doncic- 6-8 (Slovenia)- Tony
4. Memphis Grizzlies- Jaren Jackson Jr- 6-11 PF (Michigan St)- Beef
5. Dallas Mavericks- Wendell Carter- 6-10 PF (Duke)- John
6. Orlando Magic- Michael Porter Jr- 6-11 SF (Missouri)- Tony
7. Chicago Bulls- Mohamed Bamba- 7-0 C (Texas)- Beef
8. Cleveland Cavaliers- Mikal Bridges- 6-7 SF (Villanova)- Beef
9. New York Knick- Zhaire Smith- 6-4 SG (Texas Tech)- John
10. Philadelphia 76ers- Kevin Knox- 6-9 SF/PF (Kentucky)- Tony
11. Charlotte Hornets- Trae Young- 6-2 PG (Oklahoma)- Beef
12. LA Clippers- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander- 6-6 PG (Kentucky)- John
13. LA Clippers- Lonnie Walker- 6-5 SG (Miami Fl)- Tony
14. Denver Nuggets- Collin Sexton- 6-2 PG (Alabama)- Beef
15. Washington Wizards- Miles Bridges- 6-6 SF/PF (Michigan St)- John
16. Phoenix Suns- Kevin Huerter- 6-7 SG (Maryland)- Tony
17. Milwaukee Bucks- Robert Williams- 6-9 PF (Texas A&M)- Beef
18. San Antonio Spurs- Troy Brown- 6-7 SG (Oregon)- John
19. Atlanta Hawks- Jerome Robinson- 6-5 SG (Boston College)- Beef
20. Minnesota Timberwolves- Khyri Thomas- 6-4 SG (Creighton)-John
21. Utah Jazz- Chandler Hutchinson- 6-7 SG/SF (Boise St)- Beef
22. Chicago Bulls- Aaron Holiday- 6-1 PG (UCLA)- John
23. Indiana Pacers- Donte DiVencenzo- 6-5 SG (Villanova)- Beef
24. Portland Trailblazers- Mitchell Robinson- 7-1 C (USA*)- John
25. LA Lakers- Omari Spellman- 6-9 PF/C (Villanova)- Beef
26. Philadelphia 76ers- Gary Trent Jr- 6-5 SG (Duke)- John
27. Boston Celtics- Moritz Wagner- 6-11 C (Michigan)- Beef
28. Golden State Warriors- Keita Bates-Diop- 6-8 SF/PF (Ohio St)- John
29. Brooklyn Nets- Grayson Allen- 6-4 SG (Duke)- Beef
30. Atlanta Hawks- Anfernee Simons- 6-3 PG/SG (USA**)- John

*- Enrolled at Western Kentucky but never played
**- Skipped college

Grad Transfer Zach Johnson Chooses Miami By: Beef

         Last night grad transfer and seemingly number one target for the Louisville Cardinals Zach Johnson committed to the U. I wouldn't necessarily call it a devastating loss because of what the Cards have returning as well as the other grad transfers and recruits they're going after. Louisville is still in the running with 2018 PG Courtney Ramey but that may have taken a hit when they rescheduled in the in home visit the staff had scheduled. If I had to guess I would say we still get Ramey in the fold as well as Mike Cunningham from USC Upstate and either Joseph Chartouny who is another grad transfer and is expected to make an official visit or MaCio Teague who would have to sit out or maybe take both depending on what happens the rest of the way. Also, don't be surprised if the Cards go hard after Keyshawn Woods the grad transfer from Wake Forest who already has experience in the ACC. Again, my hope is still that Louisville gets a commitment from big man Jordan Brown.

Louisville Recruiting Courtney Ramey? By: Beef

         According to multiple reports the Louisville Cardinals will do an in home visit with 6-3 4 star 2018 PG Courtney Ramey out of St. Louis. This may come as a shock to a lot of people including myself considering Coach Mack just mentioned his name in a press conference last week and said he was not recruiting him. According to the rules you cannot mention a recruits name until they're signed to your school UNLESS you're not recruiting them.

          This is exciting considering the Cardinals currently have zero commits for the 2018 or 2019 classes. If I had to guess I would say the Cardinals get a re-commitment from Ramey judging by the fact that he is still interested after everything that's transpired over the last couple of months. Hopefully this will steam roll in to something nice like some commitments from a couple of the grad transfers Louisville is still recruiting. A dream class for me this season would getting Ramey to re-commit and get FGCU grad transfer Zach Johnson,Wake Forest grad transfer Keyshawn Woods, as well 5 star PF Jordan Brown out of Napa, CA who Louisville has recently been in contact with. Keep a look out for updates as things keep happening. Check out some highlights of Ramey and Brown below:

 Courtney Ramey

Jordan Brown

       

Chris Mack to the Ville! By: Beef

                For the first time in 17 years the University of Louisville has a new full time Men's Basketball Coach. To say that I am excited I think would be an understatement. Chris Mack has been on of the most solid coaches in Men's College basketball since he took over at Xavier in the 2009-2010 season compiling a 68.9% win percentage with a record of 215-97 while reaching three Sweet Sixteen's and the schools first Elite Eight last season before losing to the eventual National Runner-Up in Gonzaga.


                Mack is no stranger to the Louisville are as most people have already been made aware which I think will help immensely in recruiting. Within an hour Mack and his staff had already reached out to six recruits. Most of these players were in the 2019 class but the biggest one was the 5 star guard Romeo Langford from New Albany, IN. Louisville was to most people the leader for his services until all of the FBI stuff came down and Rick Pitino was relieved of his coaching position back in September. Romeo then dropped Louisville off of his list and now has three teams left in IU, Vanderbilt, and Kansas. Mack as I stated above did contact Romeo's dad who said he would let Romeo know about the contact so we'll see how that goes.


               As of this morning it was reported that the staff had reached out to 13 recruits from the 2019 class offering them scholarships. Those players include:


Aidan Igiehon- 6-10 215 C Woodmere, NY (Lawrence Woodmere Academy)- 4*
Anthony Harris- 6-3 180 G  Fairfax, VA (Paul VI Catholic)- 4*
Armaan Franklin- 6-4 185 G Indianapolis, IN (Cathedral)- 4*
Asthon Hagans- 6-4 185 PG Covington, GA (Newton)- 5*
Cole Anthony- 6-1 175 G New York, NY (Arch Bishop Molloy)- 5*
Greg Gantt-  6-7 195 SF Fayettville, NC (Trinity Christian School)- 4*
Isaiah Stewart- 6-8 243 C Rochester, NY (La Lumiere School)- 5*
Jalen Lecque- 6-4 175 G Arden, NC (Christ School)- 4*
Josh Nickelberry- 6-4 175 SG Fayetteville, NC (Northwood Temple Academy)- 4*
Justin Moore- 6-4 187 G Hyattsville, MD (Dematha)- 4*
Kahlil Whitney- 6-6 190 SF Roselle, NJ (Roselle Catholic)- 4*
Keion Brooks- 6-8 185 SF Fort Wayne, IN (North Side)- 5*
Rocket Watts- 6-2 180 G Detroit, MI (Old Redford Academy)- 4*


                Again these are all 2019 guys but you have to think he will go back after 4 star guard Courtney Ramey out of St. Louis who was already committed to Louisville before the FBI stuff broke as well. There have also been rumblings about Ryan Taylor who is a graduate transfer from the University of Evansville who averaged 21.9 ppg and shot 43% 3FG as well as FG and 86% FT. His shooting would be a big boost to the players we think will be back if we can somehow lock him up. Another name I have seen mentioned is Evan Boudreaux who averaged 17.5 ppg and 9.5 reb and was already committed to Xavier and is eligible to play next season. He has decommitted from them and was asked if he was considering Louisville and said he had to see what the future held. If he was to switch to Louisville he would have two years of eligibility remaining.


                The future is bright for Louisville basketball after this hire. I am looking forward to the change in guard and how things are run. We will see the players and even our coach on social media which I think is a refreshing change of pace. I won't argue that Pitino was a great coach and got great results from his players but a change is nice. I'm attaching the episode I recorded last night with my reaction to the Chris Mack hire. Do me a favor and give it a listen and share with your friends.


https://soundcloud.com/beefsbeef/episode-34

The Game I Love Most By: BJ Cadle

This brief article gives an inside perspective of the intricate art we like to call Basketball.  Join in this discussion with me, and let me know your thoughts and opinions about the greatest game ever played.


        The game of basketball is a beautiful sport in which competition and brotherhood (or Sisterhood) reigns supreme.  The elite teams find a friendly balance of these key components, as well as an unrivaled work ethic to improve their team, by improving their own individual skillsets.  Over the many years I have been around the game, or involved with the game, it has taught me many life lessons, as well as things about myself that I never knew.  In those years, and through those lessons learned, I have watched the game evolve into something incredible.  With player changes, rule changes, league changes, as well as multiple other changes, we have seen the game evolve into a beautiful art form.  While these many changes have taken place, the one common thread that has remained the same is the mental and physical fortitude it takes every time you step onto that wooden court to strive for victory.


        Now as we enter a new era in our sport, I look forward with great hope and optimism for the future.  Being a sport that originated in Springfield, MA with 13 original rules, it has grown leaps and bounds in its existence.  Most of the original rules are still intact today, but also have been added too for the sole purpose of creating a better flow to the game.  The game was originally spread globally by its initial patriarchs, but has recently boomed into the international limelight.  Currently most statistics have it as the second most popular sport in the world, and some educated individuals even project it being number one in the near future.  Through the sports meteoric rise to success we have witnessed the rise of many great foreign players, and have even seen foreign players close the gap on the skill level of a sport initially created in America, by America, for America!


        While becoming a great sport, and growing into something nobody expected, Basketball has brought many people together, and created many inseparable bonds.  Players feel a sense of comradery as they compete together as a team, to achieve one common individual goal.  In doing so these bonds are formed through blood, sweat, and tears.


        This all comes to a head as we enjoy watching some of the best games of the year, as all of our favorite teams seasons come to a close.  Currently High school teams are finalizing their state tournaments, college players are involved in their own post season tournaments, and the NBA is gearing into its best form as teams ready for their own playoff pushes.


        As we all watch our favorite teams season end, lets all join in the celebration of competition, and relish in the fact that we have the freedom to cheer for the team we each choose, as well as express our own individual opinion about those teams.  As the game continues to age like a fine wine, I suggest we as fans keep an open mind to the overall progression of our sport.  As mentioned earlier, the game originated with 13 rules, while currently the NBA has over 70 pages of rules in their official rulebook.  As players body types, rules, and names change, we as fans get the privilege of going along for the ride, as well as be an intricate part of the success.  Let us never forget our past, but as a whole lets embrace the changes in our sport, and look forward to basketball progressively becoming the most prevalent sport in the world!

It's the most wonderful time of the year By: Beef

               Is there a better time of the year in the Louisville area? Sure UofL isn't in the NCAA tourney but they're still playing basketball. Anyway, the NCAA tournament started today I know they have had some play-in games but today is when there's nothing but basketball all day starting at noon. These next few weeks always seem to be filled with the most exciting games you see all season because not only is it win or go home but you have match ups that sometimes you never get to see outside of the tournament. It's always funny when I try and tell myself when UofL either doesn't make the tourney or if they get eliminated that I won't watch it anymore that season but somehow I always end up tuning back in. I can't wait to see how this years field ends up because I think it will be a good one.


              Not only do you have the NCAA tournament that goes through the beginning of April but pretty much as soon as that ends you have the Masters starting up which this year seems like its gonna be a good one. It finally seems like Tiger Woods is starting to get his so called "groove" back. Finishing in second place in the Velspar Championship, then today sinking a 71 foot putt on 17 to take the lead at Bay Hill. Say what you want about his character or feel how you want about him, the fact is when Tiger is at the top of his game the game of golf is UNREAL. Since he's been winning tournaments on a regular basis the young talent in golf has gotten a lot better so you add Tiger back to the mix and it could be the best generation in golf if he keeps it up.


             The last part is after the Masters end you have the biggest fireworks show in all of North America in 'Thunder Over Louisville' which is the official opening of the Derby festival and leads us to the most exciting two minutes in sports and the Kentucky Derby. The Kentucky Derby is the most exciting time in this city with how many celebrities are in town and with how much exposure this beautiful city gets during that time. The Derby is a great time and it feels like summer is just around the corner. Everyone always talks about Fall being their favorite time of the year but this time may very well be the most wonderful time of the year as far as I'm concerned.

NCAA Tournament Quick Takes By: Jerry Lee

        

South Region

UVA minus Hunter could be in trouble besides the NCAA doing them no favors. I still have them advancing to the final four. Creighton, UK, and UT among the victims. 

Possible Upsets

Buffalo has a similar RPI to Arizona and are well coached even if Arizona advances I like Kentucky.

Kentucky will have a challenge with Davidson but I believe they've been in too many wars for them and Arizona if they advance. It's hard to not pick Kentucky over UVA another possible upset.

Loyola-Chicago like you guys talked about last night. I've got UT over them but I wouldn't be shocked. 

Nevada over Cincy. I end up with CINCY, UT, KY, AND UVA taking that region

West Region

This bracket took me the longest and can go all kinds of ways

Possible Upsets

Could Texas Southern be the first 16 to knock out a 1? Not likely but the closest 1 vs.16

BEEFS team in South Dakota State also look out for San Diego State who could possibly challenge Michigan. Providence another ten seed although, Texas A&M could give Carolina terrible fits with their size. 

I ended up taking Gonzaga over Xavier because Xavier gives up an insane amount of points in the paint. I love this Xavier team and am pulling for them. I also go Michigan over UNC. I have Michigan to advance.

EAST REGION

This bracket has more upsets but again ends in chalk. I have Villanova over Purdue

Possible Upsets

Marshall over Wichita State

St.Bonaventure to the sweet 16 beating my next 1st round upset of SF AUSTIN who will upset Texas Tech. 

BUTLER would not surprise me to move past Purdue but I couldn't pull the string. I have Villanova advancing to the Final Four.

MIDWEST REGION

My hatred for Kansas fans is the highest out of any fan base. But my Final Four for this group had NEW MEXICO STATE, KANSAS, MICHIGAN STATE, AND DUKE. IMO, I believe the winner of Duke and Michigan State will win it all. 

Possible Upsets

New Mexico State and Syracuse. I believe Syracuse gets past TCU. If you can't tell I think the Big 12 is overrated. Clemson could easily take the place of NMState but we know there will be upsets. 

So I have Duke advancing over Kansas.

FINAL FOUR

UVA OVER MICHIGAN and I think the talent and length of Duke takes down the experience of Villanova. These games could go either way. I had zero intention of making it a ACC final. 

But with that said a little humor in my final score. No team has reached 70 on UVA all year. My final DUKE 70-UVA59

New Blog By: Beef

I started blog and I’m finally ready to posting to it. I will have some people helping me out on this and they will be posting their opinions as well. I hope you guys continue to enjoy the podcast and hopefully this will give you all another piece of Beef to enjoy lol.

Just Getting Started By: Beef

           Welcome to the first edition of the blog side of 'Beef's Beef'. I am in no way a great or accomplished writer or blogger lol. I just wanted to give you guys different avenues to check out different things I have going on with the podcast. I will be posting pictures along with write ups on different games, while also posting a review of my beefs from episodes and my top 5 lists I do on my Facebook lives. Please stayed tuned and bear with me as I try and get used to blogging along with getting even more comfortable with my podcast!