Best Lists

This is a rare entry for me, talking about fantasy football.

I leave that stuff to Lester's Legends, a REAL expert!

Check him out, if you some haven't yet, at http://lesterslegends.com/



I have played fantasy football six years in about three to four leagues each year. Won four championships in the six previous years, and lost in two more championship games. The key for me has been gambling on rookies basically.

I am now in my fourth year as the commissioner of my own league, but I have joined three more leagues this year as well.

My problem was simple. I was the last team to draft in each league that is no less than 18 teams deep, and my life in reality had me so that I could only make one draft in person. I had to scour the free agents lists after the other leagues drafts.

Somehow I started this year undefeated, though I realize this is a fleeting moment.

For fun, I decided to let you in on my rosters so you can get a decent chuckle and realize my teams are probably not playoff bound.


The first team is called THE HANGMEN, named in honor of Chris Hanburger's nickname.

QB : Tony Romo = Well, no complaints. He is average
QB : Trent Edwards = If he stays healthy, he could be OK.
RB : Chris Johnson = Maybe, but he splits carries.
RB : LenDale White : The guy he splits the carries with. Auto-draft rocks lol.
RB : Knowshon Moreno = I like rookies, this guy might be good.
RB : Ahmad Bradshaw = If Jacobs has a injury, Ahmad might help.
WR : Randy Moss = No complaints here at all.
WR : Vincent Jackson = Again, no complaints.
WR : Chris Henry = I think he is a sleeper.
WR : Eddie Royal = If Marshall leaves, his value increases.
TE : Kellen Winslow = Dunno how many balls he will see?
K : Neil Rackers = He should get chances
D/ ST : San Diego = They are solid, so I'm happy.
D/ ST : Minnesota = I like them, so happy one again.

THAT is probably my best team.

Here are the others:

CHRIS HANBURGER HOF 2010, named because of my mission you might know of.

QB : Drew Brees = Geesh, how could I not be happy here?
QB : Trent Edwards = Just think he will be good this year.
RB : LaDainian Tomlinson = I hope L.T. still has IT.
RB : Pierre Thomas = I think he gets 1,000 this year.
RB : Tim Hightower = He scored me a mess of TD's last year.
RB : LeSean McCoy = I think Westbrook can't last 16 games.
WR : DeSean Jackson = A repeat of last year would be nice.
WR : Percy Harvin = Just have a feeling on this rookie.
WR : Torry Holt = I think his tank isn't quite empty.
WR : Darrius Heyward-Bey = Saw him as a Terp. He's a rookie starter.
TE : Jason Witten = The Cowboys love getting him the ball often.
TE : Jeremy Shockey = He could be big this year.
K : Kris Brown = Best free agent kicker available in my league.
D/ ST : Steelers = They are a top five unit in the league.




GAITHERSBURG GLADIATORS - This is my team in my four year old league, and defending champs.

We did some rule changes to increase scoring, and increase rosters. Missing this draft hurt, because one has to dig deep in later rounds especially. I did a lot of free agent moves here.

As the commish, I have to be fair and nice. One guy couldn't rank his players, and got no QB's worth anything. Being charitable, I gave him Kerry Collins for WR Dave Clowney.


QB : Phil Rivers = No complaints
QB : Matt Stafford = At least he is starting, so hope he does decent.
QB : Chad Henne = The best free agent left. Blah.
RB : Lawrence Maroney = Dunno if he'll get the ball much.
RB : Knowshon Moreno = The rookie thing.
RB : Cedric Benson = At least he is currently starting.
RB : James Davis = A rookie sleeper.
RB : Aaron Brown = I like this rookie.
RB : Mike Goodson = A rookie with potential.
RB : Chester Taylor = If AP goes down, he is the man.
WR : Larry Fitzgerald = He is a lucky get for my team.
WR : Brandon Marshall = Hope he is productive, not disruptive.
WR : Darrius Heyward-Bey = A Terp and rookie.
WR : Louis Murphy = He could surprise.
WR : Pierre Garcon = Many people get the ball in Indy after Wayne.
WR : David Clowney = The guy hopefully isn't just a preseasom player.
WR : Chris Henry = Hoping he realizes his talents.
WR : Jerheme Urban = The Cards love to pass.
WR : Mike Wallace = A sleeper rookie.
WR : Deon Butler : Gambling this rookie is ready.
TE : Todd Heap = He could be back to All-Pro form.
TE : Jacob Tamme : In a thin TE pool, he was the best option.
TE : Martin Rucker = A sleeper pick.
K : Matt Prater = This guy might not get many chances.
D/ ST : Eagles = Happy here. They can pick off passes.
D/ ST : Seahawks = I hope they will be good.
D/ ST : Bills = They are a decent team for bye week use.




HANBURGER HOF 2010


QB : Tony Romo = A decent guy.
QB : Jason Campbell = Hoping he is decent.
RB : Chris Johnson = Hope he gets carries.
RB : Ryan Grant = Maybe he gets 1,000
RB : Reggie Bush = I don't think I'll keep him long.
RB : Felix Jones = If he stays healthy, he might do OK.
WR : Larry Fitzgerald = Hope he keeps going.
WR : Lee Evans = He can be big this year.
WR : Devin Hester = Dunno how good he will be.
WR : Chris Chambers = Might dump him.
TE : Antonio Gates = He is a top TE in the AFC.
TE : Vernon Davis = If the Niners use him right, he could be the best.
K : Adam Vinatieri = If healthy, he is solid.
D/ ST : Vikings = Think they will do OK this year.



Well, these are my teams. Not impressive, I know. Beggars cannot be choosers when drafting last, especially if one does not make three of the four live draft days.


So, my advice is to get your fantasy help from Lester's Legends or Chris at http://undrafteds.com.

Peace

"A House Divided Cannot Stand," shouted Abraham Lincoln. We know the old saying popularized in the 19th century.

The phrase still has a meaning in the political world; however, let us now review only how it relates to the college football scene of the 21st century.

How long can this current BCS system continue to exist? Half BCS and half non-BCS?

Half free to go to selective bowls and championships and half "non-free" to do so?

What right does any nominated board have in telling a university like Utah, Boise State, or Brigham Young that, unless certain circumstances regarding the arbitrary rankings of other schools rescues them, they have no right to participate in a "BCS" Bowl?

"BCS" Bowl, little more than a politically correct phrase to replace the more specific  "Major" Bowl designation of halcyon days gone by.

Perhaps we can even dredge up a lookalike of the late former Alabama Governor George Wallace.

He can stand at the door of the Rose Bowl and exclaim "I'm sorry, we can't allow any non-BCS teams in here; BCS today, BCS tomorrow, and BCS forever!"

And so the die is cast.

The 2009 season, more than any other, will feature the absolute destruction of the accepted past practice of ignoring deserving non-BCS conference teams in favor of supposed BCS "powers" like the allegedly fifth-ranked Oklahoma State, conquerors of Georgia in Week One.

Just ask the Houston Cougars.

                                    THE 11 BEST 11s

Ranking This Week                                 Ranking Last Week          

1. Southern California                                         5.                                 

2. Florida                                                               2.

3. Texas                                                                 1.

4. California                                                           3.

5. Alabama                                                             6.

6. Boise State                                                       7.

7. Brigham Young                                                8.

8. Penn State                                                         9.

9. Louisiana State                                                10.

10. Ohio State                                                        4.

11. Oklahoma                                                       N/R

On The Porch, Ga Tech, Pittsburgh, Minnesota, Michigan, and Miami.

Over the past weekend, Florida's Gators proved to be devastating on both sides of the ball. The Gators have earned the right to maintain their No. 2 ranking in the 11 Best 11s.

The Southern California Trojans performed with pulse-pounding intensity from the opening kickoff until the dragon of Jim Tressel in his Horseshoe was finally slain.

USC is deserving of the highest ranking in this, the third week of the season.

Texas, however, was singularly unimpressive at an altitude of 7,200 feet in Laramie, Wyo.

Trailing late in the second quarter, leading at half by only three points, this squad did not have the look of a national champion against the middle of the road "non-BCS" Cowboys. 

An attempt to "run up the score" in the second half against the outmanned but heroic Cowboys, playing in front of their families and neighbors, did little to add any glamor to the reputation of past great Texas teams.

Because of this so-called "performance" by the Longhorns, Texas drops behind Florida and Southern California in the 11 Best 11s for Week Three.

Stating, as Texas coach Mack Brown did Saturday, that his team was "may have been affected by all this crisp air and evergreen trees surrounding the stadium up here" says nothing about his lack of preparation for the biggest game ever played in the state of Wyoming.

Truly, such an off-hand excuse for the weak performance sheds more light on the environmental conditions surrounding Austin, Tex., than it does the hostile environment the Longhorns encountered in the vast clean air of Wyoming.

Thus, let the challenge be laid down to the Texas Longhorns: In order to regain their top ranking in the 11 Best 11s, they must play their finest game each week, regardless of who is on the other side of the field.

The great teams do not compete against the opponent; they compete against themselves. By doing this, they seek to improve each passing week.

Hook 'em, if you can.

And finally we reach the time when we declare the awards. For those who do not know, awards were introduced for cricket writers by me a month ago. You can check it out here.

But before I finally announce the winners, I would ask you all to read patiently and not  go and look at the results immediately.

It is because I want to give you a small report about the month that has just gone by. I think it is very important we look at how we have fared.

Our community had over 50 articles releasing between Aug. 15 and Sept. 9, the period during which the articles were considered. Most of them were fairly well-written and had decent content. But there were a few problems.

1) A very good number of them were about the Ashes, and we often ended up reading the same thing 10 times. So it is important that we do not get so carried away by one big series and look to give in our inputs about things that are less popular too.

2) Many of us just started reporting matches. I think it should be clear that we do not look to only report. We are not cricinfo, which tells you what happened every match. We are all intelligent minds who think about cricket.

So it is important that we also look to write about broader issues of cricket and what we think of the game. But we can report at the same time. That is also important. So a balance has to be struck.

3) We still are not doing too well on the reading and commenting front. We have had a few guys trying, but all of us need to read what others write and share our thoughts with them. This is the only way we actually grow.

I do not mean to tell anyone that you are bad. But it is important that we look at a few crucial things.

Other then this......I AM REALLY HAPPY!

Life is back into this section and all for you have worked very hard and have looked to take the section to new heights with sound bases. Keep up the good work. It is very encouraging to see writers responding so well to a call I made last month.

It is always nice to know that people back you, and I am very happy that my first step as a Community Leader has led to some success. 

And now, we come to the Awards.

We start with the Most read piece of the month. I am not going to go on and on about this one. It was a fairly easy choice. It goes to Kaustubh Chaturvedi! For his slide show The 10 Greatest Run Machines of All Time.

What all of you don't know, is that this is Kaustubh's very first piece on Bleacher Report. Well done, Kaustubh, we wish you a great time on BR. The article stands at 427 reads.

The next one in the line is The most commented piece on the month. This goes to Goutham Chakravarthi! Another person who made his debut this month.

Goutham got this award for his Shane Warne: A Phenomenal Leader. Thanks for raising this debate, mate. The article stands at 40 comments.

We move on to the next award. The Comment maker of the month. This was something that I personally valued a lot. It was tough to choose, not only because of what I have mentioned in the beginning of the this article, but also because the the people who would be considered, were very closely in competition.

Finally, it had to go to both of the main contenders: Mark Bateman and Adam Dennehey! Both of them have given some very good inputs to other writers and there comments show that they have look to learn from others and help others learn too. Thanks a lot guys. We just hope we get a lot more comments from you. Mark has also made his debut this month.

After this, the next category is The most interactive person. Anyone who has been an all-rounder. He has commented a bit, written a bit and has been good. And this has gone to Goutham Chakravarthi again!

Very well done. Within his first month, he has really looked to get into the the thick of things and has been helpful in every possible way. Congratulations, mate!

The next Award is The most prolific writer of the month. For this awards, quantity was the main criterion but quality was given a some consideration. Finally we had Vishrut Aggarwal and Omer Jawed. Vishrut wrote one more article than Omer.

But I thought Omer also had to be given recognition for some very good writing. And since both the writers were on par when it came to writing skill, the difference of one mattered little. Omer is another debutant this month.

After this, we come to the Best debut into cricket section. We already seen the new writers getting various awards but lets now come to the Award made specially for them. For this award again we have a tie.

It went to Mark Bateman and Kaustubh Chaturvedi! Both of them, have done a very good job. Mark wrote pieces bringing in his experienced writing skill from the other BR domains, while Kaustubh showed great potential in his only piece on cricket. He regularly responded to the comments he receive and was very enthusiastic.

Kaustubh may currently be the youngest member of our Community who is writing, but he seems ready to develop quickly. Mark is always a great guy to read.

Now we come to to the Article of the month. There were some fantastic pieces written during this period. Some pieces with emotion, some with absolute thought, some with innovation but all with good skill. It was very difficult for me to decide. Almost impossible to do it.

But finally, after thoroughly going through the eight shortlisted pieces 2-3 times. I selected Great Expectations: The Fall and Rise of Mr. Cricket by Chandra Jayaramakrishnan! A very well-written piece, whose beauty was unfortunately not understood by me in the very first go, but giving it that second look has really helped. Read it!

It is brilliant when it comes to language and the use of it. It is innovative in its own way and also has very good content. We just hope that Chandra can give us more pieces of this kind.

And last and the one of the most prestigious awards, The best writer of the month goes to...a very good writer.

Someone who has looked to improve and has learnt very quickly. Someone who has shown great skill and is also great help when it comes to other writers in the form of comments. But since we are only concerned with the writing part, we will stick to that.

I from the very first day said, that a good writer has to respond to his comments, he has also done that.

So finally, to conclude this ceremony and finish this last bit of suspense, we call the person who has made great strides in this very first month of his, Gautam Chakravarthi!

Getting three awards during your debut month is simply fantastic.

Congratulations to all the award holders. And I am very happy to see that there are so many debutantes in the list. So it is time for us veterans to pull up our socks and work hard.

And for those who did not make it this time, there is no such thing as a free lunch, so now instead of working hard, work the hardest. Good luck and don't forget, it was just that you were not the best it is not that you weren't good.

We will have the same Awards for the coming month. The articles written after Sept. 9 will also be considered for this.

Later during this month or maybe the month after that, I will look to bring in more interesting things.

Special thanks to Rocky Getters and the secret Jury member for helping. For this month, we will have Vishrut Aggarwaal also in the Jury, next month, it can be you. I want all of you to get a chance to be at the other end of the table, too.

Thank you all.

Who smoked that turkey for a tailgate party? I did.

When did I do it? Last night, while reading and writing on B/R. I multi-tasked, and started smoking ribs, chicken, a turkey, and sausage for my tailgate party.

I also watched two Seymour videos and responded to comments by Bret, Randy, Brent, and others.

What team am I pulling for? The Oakland Raiders, who else?

Where will my party be for the first game? In my own backyard because I have to teach college mathematics and it's too early in the semester to take off and travel to Oakland.

Why am I celebrating? Because I am a bona fide fan of the Oakland Raiders since December, 1970.

How did I season my turkey? Well, I can't have too much salt so I seasoned it with

Lemon pepper

Onion powder

Sazon by Goya

Used mesquite coals and an outdoor pit.

What else is on the menu for our party? Whatever you bring. Just post the rest of the menu in the comment section. Provide the recipe so I can try it out before the next game.

Who is invited to the party? All of those who read and comment on my "fun" article on our "cyber-party" for Sept. 24, 2009.

How will I know you showed up? Your read this article and posted a comment, your proof that you, too, are thinking about a tailgate party for our first game of the 2009 season.

By the way, whatever is on the menu must be home-cooked.

Are you ready for the Oakland Raider Tailgate Cyber-Party?

Postscript - THE BEST LIST:

Our Menu 

Bret's Dish

Leroy's Veggies

Turducken

Smoked Turkey

Graham's dessert

Sparkling Apple Cider

AND MORE.....

With Theoren Fleury one step closer to returning to the NHL I thought it was a good time to count down some of the highlights (in no particular order), to an impressive career by the little big man.

10. Oct. 15th, 2005 (Belfast Giants Debut)

Though at this point Fleury had been banished from the NHL in 2003 and his personal life was turbulent to say the least, he signed on to play in the British Elite league with the Belfast Giants.

Fleury scored three goals and added four assists, to go along with two fights and helped his new team to a big win over the Edinburgh Capitals.

9. Jan. 4th, 1987 (Punch-up in Piestany)

After Canada had ensured themselves a medal at the 1987 World Junior Tournament, Fleury got involved in a fight that led to a bench clearing brawl against the Soviets.

Both teams were inevitably ejected from the tournament costing Canada a medal.

8. Apr. 24th, 1991 (Game 6 Over-time Winner Against the Oilers)

Though the Edmonton Oilers would eventually beat their provincial rivals in an epic playoff battle, Theoren Fleury scored his first goal of the series in over-time in game 6 on a Mark Messier give away.

What capped the moment off will be burned in Oilers, Flames and NHL fans memories for years as Fleury raced across the ice, slid on his knees and flipped into the boards in one of the most famous celebrations in NHL history.

7. (1991 Canada Cup)

After being a long-shot to make the club, Fleury was added to the Team Canada roster for the 1991 Canada Cup where he was sat out the first game (a 2-2 tie against team Finland).

Fleury was quickly brought into the line-up for the teams game against the USA and they never looked back, as he picked up five points in seven games, helping Canada to their last Canada Cup win.

6. Aug. 9th, 2008 (Calgary Viper Baseball Debut)

After signing a one game contract to play pro baseball with the Calgary Vipers, in which Fleury donated the proceeds to Calgary Children's Charities, Theo came in as a pinch hitter for Jorge Tang during the bottom of the fifth inning.

In his first at-bat Fleury hit a single right up the middle and drew cheers from the fans.

Maybe the moment that made him miss the spotlight and attempt an NHL come back?

5. (1988 World Junior Championships)

After being ejected the previous year the Canadian squad and Theoren Fleury had something to prove as they took gold in the 1988 World Junior Hockey Championships in Moscow.

Fleury was named a tournament all-star.

4. (1990-'91 50 goal season)

Just three years after many thought Theoren Fleury was too small to play in the NHL, the leagues version of mighty mouse made it clear that he was not only big enough but also one of the leagues most skilled players as he picked up 51 goals and 53 assists in 79 games.

3. (2002 Winter Olympic Games)

After many were unsure of Theoren Fleury's mental state in the 2001-'02 season, Gretzky and company decided to take a chance on No. 14, and it paid off as his energetic style of play helped team Canada to a gold medal.

It was the first time in fifty years that Canada had won gold.

2. (1989 Stanley Cup)

What is to always be known as the "C" of Champions, a then rookie Theoren Fleury added a dynamic that the Calgary Flames did not have and helped them to their first and only Stanley Cup victory.

In the process the Fleury legend was born.

1. Sept. 10th, 2009 (The NHL reinstates Theoren Fleury)

After six years away from the league that made him a star, Gary Bettman reinstated Theoren Fleury so that he could go out finally on his own terms as a pro hockey player.

The Calgary Flames invited him to camp the following day as the team felt he had been meeting all their off-ice training requirements.

Good luck Theo, I'm sure I speak for numerous fans that are anticipating you back in the Flames "C" of red!

Did you say that you don't like to look at yourself in the mirror?

Well, it's a countdown to the Monday Night Football game, and a little introspection just might be good for all of us before the game begins.

So many fans have their charts, statistics, videos, and comments about what should be done on Monday night. Just in case there is a dimension of the human experience that is not acknowledged by all, but, nevertheless, exists for some, let's delve in it for a minute.

Let me remind you that this article is designed to speak to Tom Cable and his staff, the team, Al Davis, the Raider Nation, and other interested parties.

Do you remember reading about the Six-Day War? Did you read the comments about the probability of victory for a certain people? Were the odds against them in that war? Did they win the war?

A lone voice called for fans of Israel to perform something to get connected. See the fun video by clicking this link.

According to one report, the opponents' leader and his key men attended a party with a gyrating belly dancer, stayed out late, and were fatigued because of their "shenanigans" the night before the war.

On the other hand, a Rabbi made a powerful appeal to some of the people to perform a little ceremony or meditation, to get their mind and heart on one accord.

Hum. Do you see the difference?

So now, let us do introspection or become the man or woman who looks in the mirror. We look to see ourselves, clearly. We ask if our hearts and minds are tuned in and plugged in to the right source of power, to charge us up for victory.

As the video says, we charge our cellphone each night, we charge our laptops, and so on.

How do we charge our body, mind, and spirit for victory?

Oakland Raiders and Raider Nation, heed the words of the Rabbi who called for a different approach to build the confidence and power for a victory when others shout that the odds are against us.

You have got about three days to try something different and deeper. It's up to you!

I have got to go now and get charged up, the way I prefer to do it.

1. I am putting on my receptors and plugging into my source of inspiration.

2. I am looking at my writings and my B/R archives to determine if I have done the job I have been assigned to do.

3. I am expecting a miracle, as the story tells us the Rabbi did not falter in his confidence that Israel would be victorious. He spoke his belief, and many believed him.

Again, it's a countdown. Do you believe in miracles?

Here are my reasons (my articles) which express my belief in the Oakland Raiders:

1.     Oakland Raiders Twists, Turns, Tests: Help Is On The Way

Folks used to say, "There is more than one way to skin a cat." Nowadays, the SPCA would condemn someone for saying that, especially if he is a professional athlete...

Written by Damali Binta Yael about 10 days ago 4,122 reads 61 comments

2.     The Raider Nation Looks at the Bright Side

A Raider Fan's Best List for Participating in Sports In times of economic challenges, the best pastime to have is sports, especially NFL football. A love for sports can ease the stresses and duress of being in the American economy...

Written by Damali Binta Yael about 4 days ago 986 reads 14 comments

3.     Oakland Raiders Got to Clean Up What They Messed Up

The rhythm was syncopated. The words were simple: "I got to clean up, what I messed up...starting all over again." I started rocking and rolling in my car, turned the radio up like one of those hip-hop kids who stops at a stop sign and blasts his radio..

Written by Damali Binta Yael about about 1 month ago 915 reads 43 comments

4.     Oakland Raiders: Of The Same Mind

Harmony is a beautiful concept. In music, it can take different forms. In professional football there are concepts and forms. In a jazz ensemble, every man improvises and plays his instrument with a unique expression, stream of musical notes and rhythm...

Written by Damali Binta Yael about 19 days ago 828 reads 11 comments

5.     Oakland Raiders: Keep Moving On...A Change Is Gonna Come

Damali Binta Yael's Pep Talk You can read what you want and say what you want, but I love the story of the little Hebrew boy who killed the giant, Goliath. All the Hebrew boy had was a smooth stone, and an unseen power...

Written by Damali Binta Yael about about 1 month ago 696 reads 14 comments

Now examine what the fans and others are reading. They read:

1. Help is on the way.

2. Look at the bright side.

3. Clean up what you messed up.

4. Be on the same mind.

5. A change is gonna come.

So, you the fans read and you must have a level of belief or hope. You voted on the content and character of our cheerleading. You voted on

1. Help

2. A positive outlook

3. Clean up, by forgiving, supporting, sharing with others, etc.

4. Be single-minded.

5. Envision change, and move toward more wins for the Oakland Raiders.

I conclude by saying "It is your call!"

There are seldom those that would include Artest in their "Top 50," let alone in the "Top 25." But seldom an individual realizes, just how good a player Ron Artest really is.

In a career spanning ten years, he's managed to do exactly what is expected of any player. Win.

Certainly, Artest's been called many things over the years, but the term "winner" and "Artest" have never usually been congruent. Yet, amazingly, he's managed to accumulate a winning percentile over his decade-long career, despite having played on some god-awful teams. The '00 Bulls immediately come to mind, with the previous year's team coming in a close second.

As such, when Artest is in the line-up, his teams have gone a combined 303-301 (wins-losses respectively). However, barring his first two-and-half years in the NBA — on a horribly coached Bulls squad — the rate at which Artest's teams have won are astounding. He's 263-166 when included in the rotation.

But those aren't even his most telling numbers. To give precedence, after his trade from the Pacers, Artest managed to help the Kings go 26-14, finishing the season with a strong 20-9 mark (following the All-Star Break). Prior to Artest's arrival in Sacramento, the Kings were a sub-par 18-24.

Even two season's ago when the Kings finished 38-44, with Artest on the floor, they were 30-27 (notwithstanding his own legal issues). Mediocre to be fair, but when you consider all of the outlying circumstances and the fact that Sacramento went 8-17 without him, his worth becomes increasingly apparent. Nevertheless, one must still look at the type of player Ron Artest is on the court, to fully appreciate his value.

To begin with, by nature, Ron Artest is intense. His desire to compete and win is matched by few, and his consistency even fewer. This is reinforced by a temperament that can only be described as volatile. Though it usually works in his favor, it can be detrimental (at times) to his boon. However, instances like the Pacers-Pistons brawl have generally been few (by comparison). To be accurate, Artest has only been suspended once for on-the-court "physical" altercation (his domestic issues being a different matter altogether).

In addition, he's also a good offensive player. You couldn't tell by the hideously obscene manner in which he attacks the rim, like an injured race horse that forces itself to plod to the finish line, but he can score (albeit inefficiently). Particularly in one-on-one situations, where he can use his broad, brawny shoulders to prod and push away at the defense, creating space for a step back jump-shot or one of his aforementioned drives.

Of course, Artest will never be remembered for his offensive capabilities, even by his staunchest supporters. What most will commemorate to his memory, is his defensive acumen. Which ranks high, even following it's drop in efficiency in recent years. The rule changes of course, being what hurt it the most.

All negatives aside though, Artest is still a genuine bully on the perimeter. He beats the opposition up with his large size and muscular frame. And certainly, Artest is in the discussion for best wing defender in the NBA, year in, year out. But it doesn't end there with "Ron-Ron," he's also an absolute glutton at corralling forced turnovers. He doesn't simply strip the ball, he pressures it, snatching it appropriately with a ferocity that is central to his dogma.

Call Artest "whatever" you want, but he's a "winner" foremost, "whatever" else second.

(Credit: photo courtesy of Rocky Widner and NBAE/Getty Images)

It's a good day. I have time to think, research and write.

I thought about the Oakland Raiders and the discussions about "blackout."

Then, I thought about a powerful question: Do you love me?

As a reader of sacred and secular literature, an example came to mind.

There is a story about a man named Peter who was asked a question three times.

Three times, for goodness sake!

Do you love me? Peter answered

Do you love me? Peter answered, again.

Do you love me? And, Peter answered a third time.

What does this mean? Well, you do the research and get your interpretation.

I will use the sequence of three questions (all the same) and three answers. This is my analogy.

First, the poser of the question may not believe the answer because of a lack of enthusiasm in the voice (of a Raider fan).

Second, the poser of the question may not believe the second answer because of an attitude that did not relay unequivocal commitment and dedication (of a Raider fan's blog entry).

Third, the poser of the question insisted on a pronouncement indicating that "Yes, I love you (the Oakland Raiders) and I will support any and all that you ask of me, through thick and thin. I will "say love" and I will "do love."  I will move from words to action."

Now back to the Oakland Raiders.

The fans say they love the Oakland Raiders. Now a question: What do you, the fans do to demonstrate that love?

Do the fans buy so many tickets that it minimizes the possibility of blackouts?

Do the fans buy sports stuff to demonstrate their love for the Raiders?

Do the fans demonstrate an unwavering love for the Oakland Raiders, in spite of the rank of the franchise, the emerging rumors about the coaching incident, and other matters swishing about in the media to tempt us away from our long-standing love for the Oakland Raiders?

No. I don't believe the Raiders should even think of leaving Oakland.

Why?

To me, leaving Oakland is like a woman who leaves her husband, gets knocked around socially and financially while separated from him, then the husband takes her back, and she thinks about leaving him, again.

Are there members of the Raider Nation who are Gomers?

Let's find them and forgive them and invite them back to a level of "unwavering, committed and true love" for the Oakland Raiders.

Learn from this quote:

"So he began his search, driven by that indestructible divine love, love that bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things, love that never ends.

"And he found her, ragged, torn, sick, dirty, disheveled, destitute, chained to an auction block in a filthy slave market, a repulsive shadow of the woman she once was.

"We wonder how anyone could love her now. But Hosea bought her from her slavery for fifteen shekels of silver and thirteen bushels of barley (Hos. 3:2). Then he said to her, “You shall stay with me for many days. You shall not play the harlot, nor shall you have a man; so I will also be toward you” (Hos. 3:3).

"He actually paid for her, brought her home, and eventually restored her to her position as his wife. While we do not find anything else in Scripture about their relationship with each other, we assume that God used Hosea’s supreme act of forgiving love to melt her heart and change her life."

Now here is what can be learned, among other lessons:

We, the Raider Nation, will stand strong and committed to the Oakland Raiders, through thick and thin.

We will buy the tickets to the game, so that ticket sales will soar, upward.

We will support the Raiders in our blogs and in the media when we are interviewed.

We will demonstrate the kind of love Hosea had for Gomer.

And if we do so, here are the projections:

Increase the number of wins in 2009

Increase the value of the franchise

Increase the morale of the Raider Nation

Increase the truthful and positive media and blog coverage of the Raiders in the future

Increase in our belief that a man can change, a team can change and a nation can change, all because of our unwavering belief and love for a great team, led by a great man, Al Davis

Increase in our belief that the coach, Tom Cable, has selected a great team with great potential and that potential will transform into "kinetic energy and wins" for the Oakland Raiders.

Again, do you love the Oakland Raiders?

What is your answer? What will you do to demonstrate that love?

In 2003, Syracuse began the season unranked but later went on to cut down the nets in New Orleans.

With the 'Cuse in mind, here are 10 teams outside my preseason Top 25 that could have some staying power during March Madness.

For my full Top 25, check out my four tweets on Twitter for Nos. 1-5, Nos. 6-13, Nos. 14-20, and Nos. 21-25. These 10 teams are listed in alphabetical order.

Baylor

Last season: 24-15, lost to Penn State in the NIT Finals

Key Additions: SG Nolan Dennis, PG A.J. Walton, PF Corey Jefferson, SG Mark McLaughlin, SF Givon Crump, C Ekpe Udoh

Key Losses: Curtis Jerrells (16.3 ppg, 4.9 apg), Kevin Rogers (12.6 ppg, 7.6 rpg), Henry Dugat (9.4 ppg)

Why the Bears are a Dark Horse: Baylor has recently been one of the most athletic and offensive-minded teams in the country and typically gives opponents matchup nightmares. The Bears have a deep stable of guards once again and finally have a reliable, deep frontcourt. LaceDarius Dunn could wind up on an All-American team, as he'll have a starring role in 2010 as opposed to the supporting one he owned in 2008-09.

Why the Bears could be a dud: Scott Drew teams haven't exactly figured out how to play defense. Baylor's defensive efficiency has really been terrible for a major conference team. Most of the core players from past bad defensive teams are gone, so the team may improve its greatest weakness.

Games that should define Baylor: The Old Spice Classic field is practically an NCAA Tournament field. Baylor will have chances to beat Michigan, Florida State, Creighton, Marquette, and Xavier. The Bears will also travel to Columbia to tip off with South Carolina, another team likely to make the NCAA Tournament.

BYU

Last Season: 25-8, lost to Texas A&M in first round of NCAA Tournament

Key Additions: SG Tyler Haws, C Nate Austin, C Ian Harward, PF Brandon Davies

Key Losses: Lee Cummard (16.8 ppg, 6.2 rpg)

Why the Cougars are a Dark Horse: BYU returns every major contributor except its leading scorer from a 25-win team that made the NCAA Tournament. Jimmer Fredette and Jonathan Tavernari are two of the best players in the Mountain West Conference and make for a deadly tandem from beyond the arc. The Cougars' four-player recruiting class should give them even more depth.

Why the Cougars could be a dud: BYU has had no postseason success during the past six years. They've gone one-and-done every time they've made a postseason tournament since 2004. The Cougars are also a little weak in the interior, which will eventually be exploited in March.

Games that should define BYU: Arizona and Arizona State. Both Arizona squads will be having down years compared to last season but will present challenges for the Cougars. BYU will be looking for revenge against ASU for a last-second loss last season.

Florida State

Last Season: 25-10, lost to Wisconsin in first round of NCAA Tournament

Key Additions: SG Michael Snaer, PF Terrence Shannon

Key Losses: Toney Douglas (21.5 ppg) and Uche Echefu (8.1 ppg)

Why the Seminoles are a Dark Horse: Florida State has a potential breakout player in 7'1" center Solomon Alabi. The sophomore has shown glimpses of greatness and should be a top option in Leonard Hamilton's offense. The Seminoles also have one of the best freshman shooting guards in the country. Michael Snaer should provide the scoring punch FSU might lack due to the departure of leading scorer Toney Douglas.

Why the Seminoles could be a dud: Florida State had trouble scoring last season, and without leading scorer Douglas, putting the ball in the hoop may become even more difficult. FSU is also lacking depth in the backcourt, which could spell doom during league play.

Games that should define Florida State: The Seminoles are also taking part in the Old Spice Classic, giving them a chance at Baylor or Alabama, and then either Michigan, Xavier, Creighton, or Marquette. FSU will also play Ohio State in the ACC/Big Ten Challenge.

Illinois

Last Season: 24-10, lost to Western Kentucky in the first round of NCAA Tournament

Key Additions: D.J. Richardson, Tyler Griffey, Brandon Paul, Joseph Bertrand

Key Losses: Trent Meacham (10.2 ppg), Chester Frazier (5.7 ppg, 5.3 apg), Calvin Brock (5.3 ppg)

Why the Illini are a Dark Horse: Illinois brings back one of the best trios in the Big Ten with guard Demetri McCamey, power forward Mike Davis, and center Mike Tisdale. The Illini are also always a very scrappy defensive squad and ranked fourth in the country in 2009 in defensive efficiency.

Why the Illini could be a dud: Illinois, like Florida State, has had trouble scoring the past few years and lost table-setter Chester Frazier. Illinois will likely also have to rely on freshmen to have any kind of backcourt depth.

Games that should define Illinois: The Illini will have to head out of state to face Clemson in the Big Ten/ACC Challenge and to St. Louis to face rival Missouri. Illinois will also get a much-improved Vanderbilt team at home.

Kansas State

Last season: 22-12, lost to San Diego State in the NIT

Key Additions: Wallace Judge, Jordan Henriquez, Rodney McGruder, Nick Russell, Martavious Irving

Key Losses: Darren Kent (9 ppg, 5.8 rpg)

Why the Wildcats are a Dark Horse: Just like Syracuse in 2003, Kansas State has a freshman forward capable of dominating every game. Wallace Judge will follow in the footsteps of KSU great Michael Beasley and try to get the Wildcats back to the NCAA Tournament. The Wildcats also have stud guards Denis Clemente and Jacob Pullen.

Why the Wildcats could be a dud: After Clemente, Pullen, and Judge, there isn't a whole lot of talent on this Kansas State squad. KSU will be relying on freshman Jordan Henriquez as well as Judge.

Games that should define Kansas State: The Puerto Rico Tip-Off will provide Kansas State with a chance to play likely NCAA Tournament teams Dayton, Villanova, and Georgia Tech. The Wildcats will also get Atlantic 10 stalwart Xavier at home.

Louisville

Last Season: 31-6, lost to Michigan State in Regional Finals

Key Additions: PG Peyton Silva, PF Rakeem Buckle, SG Mike Marra, PF Stephan Van Treese

Key Losses: Earl Clark (14.2 ppg, 8.7 rpg), Terrence Williams (12.5 ppg, 8.6 rpg, 5.0 apg), Andre McGee (5.3 ppg, .373 three-point %)

Why the Cardinals are a Dark Horse: There are some very talented pieces on this Louisville team. Samardo Samuels will likely become an All-Big East First or Second Team performer. Rick Pitino also has a handful of guards that can knock down the long ball but also crank up the defensive pressure. This Louisville team isn't as athletic and long as last year, but the Cards will still be one of the best defensive teams in the country.

Why the Cardinals could be a dud: The obvious reason is Pitino's offseason escapades will be too much of a distraction and set the program back a few years. The more practical reason is the loss of Terrence Williams and Earl Clark. While the two could be inconsistent at times, they were two of the best game-changers in the Big East, and Louisville will really miss their unique skill sets.

Games that should define Louisville: The Cardinals will face Bluegrass State rivals Kentucky. If both squads can get past their head coach controversies, the game should be a telling contest for both. Louisville will also face a gauntlet of games in the Big East, which always prepares clubs for March.

Seton Hall

Last Season: 17-15, lost to Syracuse in the second round of the Big East Tournament

Key Additions: SG Keon Lawrence, PF Herb Pope, G Jeff Robinson, SF Ferrakohn Hall

Key Losses: Paul Gause (7.8 ppg) Mike Davis (2.6 ppg) Brandon Walters (1.9 ppg)

Why the Pirates are a Dark Horse: Seton Hall returns a solid nucleus of players that includes Big East star scorer Jeremy Hazell. Five of the top six members of last year's rotation are back on top of two impact transfers. Herb Pope and Keon Lawrence are arguably the best tandem of transfers in the country. The Hall had little trouble scoring last year, and with the additions of Pope and Lawrence, Bobby Gonzalez will have a handful of weapons on his roster.

Why the Pirates could be a dud: Defense has been an optional part of basketball for Seton Hall recently. Paul Gause, the one key player Hall loses, was its best defender. The Pirates are also one of the smallest teams in terms of height in the Big East. The conference is loaded with trees, meaning SHU could get pushed around quite a bit beneath the basket.

Games that should define Seton Hall: The Pirates will travel to Cancun to play Virginia Tech. It will be a nationally televised game that will allow the Pirates to gain national visibility. Like Louisville, Seton Hall will have a tough Big East schedule to prepare them for March.

South Carolina

Last Season: 21-10, lost to Davidson in the first round of the NIT

Key Additions: SG Lakeem Jackson, SG Ramon Galloway, SG Steve Spinella, PF Jhondre Jefferson

Key Losses: Zam Fredrick (15.5 ppg)

Why the Gamecocks are a Dark Horse: Devan Downey can sometimes be downright unstoppable. Downey doesn't have another game-changer by his side, but rather has a group of role players that all have a specific role, and they do them well. Freshman guard Lakeem Jackson has received high praise as a gutty guard who can put the ball in the hoop. Second-year coach Darrin Horn made significant progress to move this program forward last season and will likely take another major step forward in 2010.

Why the Gamecocks could be a dud: Only having one stud player can have its downfalls as well. Without Zam Fredrick, Downey might have to do too much, which can sometimes be quite counterproductive. USC's recruiting class will likely provide the team with solid players down the road, but only Jackson will be a real impact player for this Gamecock club.

Games that should define South Carolina: The Gamecocks have put together a very challenging non-conference schedule after years of cupcakes. USC will host Baylor, Western Kentucky, and Richmond, who all might be headed to the NCAA Tournament this season. The Gamecocks will also take a few road trips down to Clemson to tip-off with their rivals and up to Boston to play Boston College.

Texas A&M

Last Season: 24-10, lost to Connecticut in the Round of 32 in NCAA Tournament

Key Additions: SG Naji Hibbert, SF Khris Middleton, PF Kourtney Roberson, SG Jeremy Adams

Key Losses: Josh Carter (13.8 ppg), Chinemelu Elonu (9.8 ppg, 7.3 rpg) 

Why the Aggies are a Dark Horse: Texas A&M has a variety of solid upperclassmen and emerging talented underclassmen. Donald Sloan and Bryan Davis are capable leaders and a tough inside-outside combination to stop. Sophomores David Loubeau and Dash Harris were highly hyped headed into their freshman seasons and should provide some spark off the bench in 2009-10. This year's recruiting class should provide Texas A&M with more than enough depth.

Why the Aggies could be a dud: Texas A&M struggled defensively at times last year and could get burned in Big 12 play, as the league is loaded with offensive talent. Also, losing Josh Carter and Chinemelu Elonu really hurts, as Carter was the team's best three-point shooter and Elonu was the team's best rebounder.

Games that should define Texas A&M: The 76 Classic will provide the Aggies with a chance to play Clemson, West Virginia, and potentially UCLA, Butler, or Minnesota. TAMU also has a date with one of the Pac-10 favorites, Washington.

Vanderbilt

Last Season: 19-12, lost to Alabama in first round of SEC Tournament

Key Additions: SG John Jenkins

Key Losses: George Drake (5.4 ppg)

Why the Commodores are a Dark Horse: Kevin Stallings' club returns its top four scorers, including dominant big man A.J. Ogilvy. Vandy also brings in one of the top freshmen in the country, John Jenkins. The freshman two-guard is one of the most prolific scorers in his class, giving the Commodores a fifth scoring option. Vandy used up to a dozen players in its rotation last year; almost all those players return, allowing coach Stallings to once again have tremendous depth.

Why the Commodores could be a dud: Vanderbilt was only an average defensive squad last season. Also, despite having four double-digit scorers return, the team's offensive efficiency was also a bit below average for an SEC team.

Games that should define Vanderbilt: Vandy is in an always loaded Maui Invitational field. The school's opening round game is against a much-improved Cincinnati team, and they could play Maryland in the second round. The Commodores also will play Missouri at home and travel to Champaign to face Illinois.

For more on college basketball, follow Jameson on Twitter.