GAME TIME with AG.

"When you put me on...I remain calm..."
Black Thought - I Remain Calm
One announcement yesterday from the No. 1 ranked golfer in the world, and the landscape of professional golf changed...and for good reason.
Full Circle
I began watching golf since Tiger Woods turned pro, and he has taken his peers and fans alike on a historic ride of greatness. Eldridge will make his return at the Masters, which takes place April 8-11. It's going to be really good to see him back on the course at the Augusta National Golf Club no less, as he makes an attempt to do what he does best in winning championships.
The Masters are going to be a media circus following his every move, because of what he and his family are enduring personally...however I feel that this man's private matters should be handled between he and his wife, not in the court of public opinion. Unfortunately life doesn't work that way in this business. It's not fair...he didn't cheat the sport, and as a sports writer that is all I feel I should comment on.
We all have our transgressions, so who am I to throw stones from a glass house? I believe Woods will return, and compete well enough to win, and in a game such as golf...that's all you can ask.
There is nothing new under the sun, so don't be surprised when he's wearing a red shirt with another green blazer.

"Get the point...good...let's dance"
Janet Jackson - Interlude: Let's Dance
As a collegian one of the things I always looked forward to outside my broadcast television classes...was the NCAA tournament.
Madness
Temple University always had great basketball teams...in fact it was the leadership of Coach Chaney...and play of the Eddie Jones/Aaron McKie tandem that attracted me to enroll. Well...that is after my dream of attending UCLA didn't come to fruition, however that's another story...nevertheless I'm happy to say that things haven't changed much on North Broad Street, as the Owls have been ranked throughout the season, and well on their way back to the tournament.
My allegiance is to TU, and then everyone else...one of my favorites outside the alma mater is Villanova, and even though they have struggled recently, I know they will be just fine because the Big East is by far the best conference in the nation.
Everyone talks of the SEC with Kentucky, the Big 12 and Kansas, or the ACC with Duke...however the Big East has several schools that have superior teams with experience, and talent at numerous positions. With their victory over Georgetown, hopefully the world will understand how good West Virginia is, and the Pitt Panthers are another team that plays exceptionally well without the recognition.
I'm not going to make any predictions, however when you are filling out your brackets, remember the Temple Owls, and their neighbors in the Big East.
You can thank me later.
Photo: AXG

"Still ballin' in the mix..."
Slim Thug - Still Tippin'
The Mavericks defeated the hapless Nets 96-87...last night for their 45th win on the year and 13th in a row.
Major Figures
There is a saying that states: slow and steady wins the race, and if that is the case then the Dallas Mavericks are on pace to go deep into the upcoming playoffs. Since the trade for Caron Butler, Brendan Haywood, and DeShawn Stevenson...this squad has quietly gotten better, stronger, and faster.
Its never my practice to award a team or predict their future, however the Mavs are a legit threat to win it all. This group is better than the 2006 team that lost in the Finals to Miami...the reason is they are an experienced group of veterans featuring Jason Kidd, and Dirk Nowitzki, as they boast a solid bench with depth at numerous positions.
With injuries to Jason Terry, and Jose Juan Barea...others have stepped up like rookie Rodrigue Beaubois who is an all around talent...playing well at both ends of the floor.
Much has been made about Caron Butler and his preference to chew on McDonald's straws during games...however the bigger story is how the Mavs continue to win, putting the league's best teams on high alert.
There is a new kid on the block and if they are not given respect...they will gladly take it...and the win!
Photo: Glenn James/NBAE via Getty Images

"How come the things that make us happy, make us sad..."
Frankie Beverly - Joy and Pain
The WNBA franchise Tulsa Shock, have announced today the signing of Marion Jones, after she worked out for the team last Saturday.
2nd Childhood
Basketball is a sport that has opened many doors beyond anything I could ever envision...so when the Shock signed Jones, it made perfect sense, as I'm sure the game brings her the same satisfaction that I receive from it. Marion Jones was drafted in the WNBA with the Phoenix Mercury in 2003, but she never played.
She has been associated with controversy and negativity for taking performance enhancing substances, and while I understand to an extent the backlash...she admitted her wrong doing, served time in prison and has since moved forward with her life.
Basketball was her first love, as she helped led UNC to at 33-2 record, and the NCAA national championship as a freshman, so I find it refreshing that she's come full circle, getting back to her roots. She recently had her third child, however I believe Marion is up for this new challenge. I'm not sure how long she will play...but its really good to see her back on the court, and happy in her decision.
In a New York Times interview, she stated: I thought it would be an interesting journey if I decided to do this. It would give me an opportunity to share my message to young people on a bigger platform; it would give me an opportunity to get a second chance.
This is a win-win for both parties, as the WNBA can use her star power to promote the league, and Jones as we must remember is a human being and she deserves another opportunity at being the best she can be.

"And I'm sick of explaining this..."
Jay-Z - Streets Is Talking
The Lakers hosted the Raptors last night...the game was fairly average, that is until the 4th quarter.
March Madness
I had a long day on Tuesday, and part of that was because I couldn't sleep on Monday night...nevertheless at 10:30PM EST the only thing I wanted to do was unwind and watch the Lake Show. Everyone knows that the best players around the league bring out their best at the end to ensure a victory, and no one does that better than Kobe Bryant.
Prior to his shot with 1.9 seconds to go...he knocked down 6-game winning baskets this season, and with the score knotted at 107, after a Chris Bosh 3-pointer...Bryant wanted the ball and pressure to win the game in regulation. With a calm that comes from practice and confidence, he eluded two defenders and launched his seventh game winner from the right baseline.
Much has been made about the Lakers recent 3-game losing streak, however what matters is their 47-18 record and how they finish out the regular season.
Like I often write...it's not how you start...it's how you finish.
Photo: Noah Graham/NBAE via Getty Images
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NO!! I didn't make it to the game, I was supposed to go do some promotion for the new Will Ferrell movie out there too - so I really had no excuse not to go except that I was lazy and didnt want to be n the heat, LOL....Mad respect, CaT =)
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