The First Decade of the New Millennium
Happy New Year everybody! And as a gift to you, I've compiled my bests and worsts of the first decade of our new millennium.
Best Team of the Decade: Los Angeles Lakers
Yes, I know this may seem like a home town pick, but objectively, a 3-peat, rebuilding couple of years and then a fourth championship? I know the Patriots were impressive, but the nod should go to the Lakers. The Kobe to Shaq years were dominant and this last season featured one of the most talented all-around teams you'll find.
Worst Team of the Decade: Baltimore Orioles and New York Knicks
Both mastered the art of spending a ton of money with horrific results. I know there were teams like the Royals who were just plain awful, but at least they were awful while spending no money.
Goal of the Decade: Zlatan Ibrahimovic, 2004 for Ajax
This was a tough decision. There was Henry's majestic turnaround finish shortly after the decade started and then there was Messi's goal in which he dribbled through an entire team en route to a goal that took us back to the days of Maradona. But ultimately, this was such an amazing piece of work that I couldn't help but put it in the top slot. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZgqsaDnsEq8)
Baseball Game of the Decade: New York Yankees vs. Boston Red Sox, ALCS Game 7, 2003
Aaron bleeping Boone. Little doesn't pull Pedro. Bloop single. Posada. You remember. And then the hanging knuckle ball that dashed the Red Sox Nation's collective hopes. Drama to the fullest. (http://espn.go.com/video/clip?id=3593258&categoryid=null)
Basketball Game of the Decade: Duke vs. Maryland, 2001
The Miracle Minute. Down 10 with a minute to go. Comeback and they took it in overtime. Maryland dominated the whole game, one that featured quite a few guys playing in the NBA today. It was tough for me not to put the Horry shot, Fisher at 0.4, or UCLA/Gonzaga here. But this game was played at the highest level and had a finish you couldn't belive. Listen to the call. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T9_pPqWfI84)
Note: Drake/WKU in March Madness might have been more dramatic, but it was a game involving Drake and Western Kentucky. I gave the nod to Duke/Maryland.
Football Game of the Decade: Texas vs. USC, BCS Championship at the Rose Bowl, 2006
I know there are a lot of Giants fans who think the Helmet Catch Super Bowl was better, but honestly, the 2006 Rose Bowl was a beautiful thing to watch from start to finish. It had the momentum changer with Reggie Bush's pitch to the other team and unbelievable performances by a slew of players, most notably Vince Young. He took over the game. I like Bill Simmons' take on the Granddaddy. Here's his running diary. (http://proxy.espn.go.com/espn/page2/story?page=simmons/060105)
Boxing Fight of the Decade: Corrales-Castillo I, 2005
There isn't a close second here. The fight would have been a contender for this spot before the most amazing round of the decade took place. Words can't describe the courage shown and the drama that ensued. Here's Round 10. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=imZaiGJgbsw). For trilogy of the decade I have the Morales-Barrera trilogy edging Vazquez-Marquez. Both featured true warriors, amazing action, and top 10 pound for pound guys, but Morales and Barrera actually hated each other. For that they get the nod.
Play of the Decade: Tyrone Protho, 2006
I know most people go for moments that have greater significance but I think I could go a whole lifetime before seeing a catch as amazing as this one. He's blind to the ball when he catches it, traps it behind the defender, then holds onto the ball as they flip over each other. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T2ikUyrOhkg)
Song of the Decade: Soulja Boy - Crank That, 2007
Now I clearly don't think this was the top song of the decade based on quality. This is a sports column and as far as songs that permeated the sports world and engrossed athletes while hyping crowds at the same time, this one can't be topped. We saw the dance in an NBA Dunk Contest and roughly 1,000 football games. Here's my favorite Soulja Boy moment because just in case you disagreed with my pick, how many songs get Verne Lundquist going? (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1qLkHr61Z2M&feature=related)
Worst song of the decade: Every Black Eyed Peas song and This is Our Country by John Mellencamp.
Coach of the Decade: Tony Dungy
Spygate took Bellichick out of the running, and Phil Jackson had more to work with than Dungy did. More than that, Tony Dungy coached and won in professional football without ever raising his voice. He commanded respect and gave it out in kind. A remarkable guy and amazing coach.
Note: I was going to have a worst coaching move of the decade but couldn't decide between Grady Little and Pete Carroll on 4th and 1 with Reggie Bush on the sideline.
Press Conference Moment of the Decade: Allen Iverson - Practice, 2002
No explanation necessary. We're talking about practice. Let A.I. explain. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eGDBR2L5kzI). How the hell can I make my teammates better by practicing?
Player of the Decade: NA
I would have had Tiger here. He defined the decade with his dominance and world presence. The first athlete to reach $1 billion in liquidity, but while other people are able to separate their athletes from their athletes as people, I am not. I root on Chad Ochocinco because while he entertains and makes a spectacle on the field, you never hear the words "scandal" or "police report" linked to his name. Tiger Woods. I didn't like him at first because of his on the course antics but he won me over with his off the course charity work. Now? All respect for him as a person has vanished. He may have dominated a decade but I wish he wasn't its spokesperson.
My Favorite Athlete of the Decade: Kevin Durant
I was borderline obsessed with Kevin Durant during his only year at the University of Texas. I might have watched more Texas Longhorns games on television than UCLA games. Durant played like nobody I've seen. Rick Barnes didn't know how to use him and he still found ways to dominate the game on the NCAA level and he hasn't slowed down in the NBA. He's soft spoken yet has ice water running through his veins. I think my favorite Kevin Durant moment came during a game at Texas. He exploded in the first half and left the Kansas faithful in Lawrence, KS stunned. Unfortunately though, Durant injured himself. Midway through the second back he emerged from the locker room to a standing ovation, in KANSAS. They appreciated his performance so much that they gave him an ovation for returning to the game. Keep an eye out for him. I know he's playing for the Thunder but I promise it's worth it.
My Favorite Moment of the Decade: J-Mac
This was fun thinking about for me. I played as a high school senior in 2000 so I got to think about those moments. I coached various sports from 2000-2009 and thought about some fun moments there. I thought about moments as a fan, from doing the Supershot at halftime of the UCLA game to being at the Grill in Beverly Hills with my parents, sisters, and grandparents, huddled around with a bunch of older people, watching Derek Fisher's 0.4 shot go down, jumping up and down, and high-fiving a lady who had to be at least 85. Robert Horry's shot occurred on a Saturday. I know this because when he hit it I ran around my house then bolted outside to call people. However, I live in an Orthodox neighborhood so instead of calling friends, I had about 10 people huddled around me hearing me give them the play by play of what just happened as they couldn't watch TV on a Saturday. All of these moments were great, but they don't compare to J-Mac, the autistic young man whose dream came true. I'll let the clip do the talking and all I'll say is that only sports could produce a moment like this and that's why I love sports. Have a great 2010's everybody. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tui8EOdv_VU&feature=related)
WEEK 17 PICKS
Jacksonville +2 at Cleveland
Detroit +4.5 vs. Chicago
New England +7.5 at Houston
Miami +3 vs. Pittsburgh
Minnesota -8 vs. New York Giants
St. Louis +7 vs. San Francisco
Atlanta -3 at Tampa Bay
Indianapolis -8 at Buffalo
New Orleans +10 at Carolina
Dallas -3 vs. Philadelphia
Denver -10 vs. Kansas City
Oakland +10 vs. Baltimore
San Diego -3 vs. Washington
Tennessee -6 at Seattle
Green Bay +3 at Arizona
Cincinnati +10 at New York Jets
Last Week: 9-5-2
Season: 136-99-5
Best Team of the Decade: Los Angeles Lakers
Yes, I know this may seem like a home town pick, but objectively, a 3-peat, rebuilding couple of years and then a fourth championship? I know the Patriots were impressive, but the nod should go to the Lakers. The Kobe to Shaq years were dominant and this last season featured one of the most talented all-around teams you'll find.
Worst Team of the Decade: Baltimore Orioles and New York Knicks
Both mastered the art of spending a ton of money with horrific results. I know there were teams like the Royals who were just plain awful, but at least they were awful while spending no money.
Goal of the Decade: Zlatan Ibrahimovic, 2004 for Ajax
This was a tough decision. There was Henry's majestic turnaround finish shortly after the decade started and then there was Messi's goal in which he dribbled through an entire team en route to a goal that took us back to the days of Maradona. But ultimately, this was such an amazing piece of work that I couldn't help but put it in the top slot. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZgqsaDnsEq8)
Baseball Game of the Decade: New York Yankees vs. Boston Red Sox, ALCS Game 7, 2003
Aaron bleeping Boone. Little doesn't pull Pedro. Bloop single. Posada. You remember. And then the hanging knuckle ball that dashed the Red Sox Nation's collective hopes. Drama to the fullest. (http://espn.go.com/video/clip?id=3593258&categoryid=null)
Basketball Game of the Decade: Duke vs. Maryland, 2001
The Miracle Minute. Down 10 with a minute to go. Comeback and they took it in overtime. Maryland dominated the whole game, one that featured quite a few guys playing in the NBA today. It was tough for me not to put the Horry shot, Fisher at 0.4, or UCLA/Gonzaga here. But this game was played at the highest level and had a finish you couldn't belive. Listen to the call. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T9_pPqWfI84)
Note: Drake/WKU in March Madness might have been more dramatic, but it was a game involving Drake and Western Kentucky. I gave the nod to Duke/Maryland.
Football Game of the Decade: Texas vs. USC, BCS Championship at the Rose Bowl, 2006
I know there are a lot of Giants fans who think the Helmet Catch Super Bowl was better, but honestly, the 2006 Rose Bowl was a beautiful thing to watch from start to finish. It had the momentum changer with Reggie Bush's pitch to the other team and unbelievable performances by a slew of players, most notably Vince Young. He took over the game. I like Bill Simmons' take on the Granddaddy. Here's his running diary. (http://proxy.espn.go.com/espn/page2/story?page=simmons/060105)
Boxing Fight of the Decade: Corrales-Castillo I, 2005
There isn't a close second here. The fight would have been a contender for this spot before the most amazing round of the decade took place. Words can't describe the courage shown and the drama that ensued. Here's Round 10. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=imZaiGJgbsw). For trilogy of the decade I have the Morales-Barrera trilogy edging Vazquez-Marquez. Both featured true warriors, amazing action, and top 10 pound for pound guys, but Morales and Barrera actually hated each other. For that they get the nod.
Play of the Decade: Tyrone Protho, 2006
I know most people go for moments that have greater significance but I think I could go a whole lifetime before seeing a catch as amazing as this one. He's blind to the ball when he catches it, traps it behind the defender, then holds onto the ball as they flip over each other. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T2ikUyrOhkg)
Song of the Decade: Soulja Boy - Crank That, 2007
Now I clearly don't think this was the top song of the decade based on quality. This is a sports column and as far as songs that permeated the sports world and engrossed athletes while hyping crowds at the same time, this one can't be topped. We saw the dance in an NBA Dunk Contest and roughly 1,000 football games. Here's my favorite Soulja Boy moment because just in case you disagreed with my pick, how many songs get Verne Lundquist going? (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1qLkHr61Z2M&feature=related)
Worst song of the decade: Every Black Eyed Peas song and This is Our Country by John Mellencamp.
Coach of the Decade: Tony Dungy
Spygate took Bellichick out of the running, and Phil Jackson had more to work with than Dungy did. More than that, Tony Dungy coached and won in professional football without ever raising his voice. He commanded respect and gave it out in kind. A remarkable guy and amazing coach.
Note: I was going to have a worst coaching move of the decade but couldn't decide between Grady Little and Pete Carroll on 4th and 1 with Reggie Bush on the sideline.
Press Conference Moment of the Decade: Allen Iverson - Practice, 2002
No explanation necessary. We're talking about practice. Let A.I. explain. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eGDBR2L5kzI). How the hell can I make my teammates better by practicing?
Player of the Decade: NA
I would have had Tiger here. He defined the decade with his dominance and world presence. The first athlete to reach $1 billion in liquidity, but while other people are able to separate their athletes from their athletes as people, I am not. I root on Chad Ochocinco because while he entertains and makes a spectacle on the field, you never hear the words "scandal" or "police report" linked to his name. Tiger Woods. I didn't like him at first because of his on the course antics but he won me over with his off the course charity work. Now? All respect for him as a person has vanished. He may have dominated a decade but I wish he wasn't its spokesperson.
My Favorite Athlete of the Decade: Kevin Durant
I was borderline obsessed with Kevin Durant during his only year at the University of Texas. I might have watched more Texas Longhorns games on television than UCLA games. Durant played like nobody I've seen. Rick Barnes didn't know how to use him and he still found ways to dominate the game on the NCAA level and he hasn't slowed down in the NBA. He's soft spoken yet has ice water running through his veins. I think my favorite Kevin Durant moment came during a game at Texas. He exploded in the first half and left the Kansas faithful in Lawrence, KS stunned. Unfortunately though, Durant injured himself. Midway through the second back he emerged from the locker room to a standing ovation, in KANSAS. They appreciated his performance so much that they gave him an ovation for returning to the game. Keep an eye out for him. I know he's playing for the Thunder but I promise it's worth it.
My Favorite Moment of the Decade: J-Mac
This was fun thinking about for me. I played as a high school senior in 2000 so I got to think about those moments. I coached various sports from 2000-2009 and thought about some fun moments there. I thought about moments as a fan, from doing the Supershot at halftime of the UCLA game to being at the Grill in Beverly Hills with my parents, sisters, and grandparents, huddled around with a bunch of older people, watching Derek Fisher's 0.4 shot go down, jumping up and down, and high-fiving a lady who had to be at least 85. Robert Horry's shot occurred on a Saturday. I know this because when he hit it I ran around my house then bolted outside to call people. However, I live in an Orthodox neighborhood so instead of calling friends, I had about 10 people huddled around me hearing me give them the play by play of what just happened as they couldn't watch TV on a Saturday. All of these moments were great, but they don't compare to J-Mac, the autistic young man whose dream came true. I'll let the clip do the talking and all I'll say is that only sports could produce a moment like this and that's why I love sports. Have a great 2010's everybody. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tui8EOdv_VU&feature=related)
WEEK 17 PICKS
Jacksonville +2 at Cleveland
Detroit +4.5 vs. Chicago
New England +7.5 at Houston
Miami +3 vs. Pittsburgh
Minnesota -8 vs. New York Giants
St. Louis +7 vs. San Francisco
Atlanta -3 at Tampa Bay
Indianapolis -8 at Buffalo
New Orleans +10 at Carolina
Dallas -3 vs. Philadelphia
Denver -10 vs. Kansas City
Oakland +10 vs. Baltimore
San Diego -3 vs. Washington
Tennessee -6 at Seattle
Green Bay +3 at Arizona
Cincinnati +10 at New York Jets
Last Week: 9-5-2
Season: 136-99-5
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