Why would anyone pull for Kentucky over Kansas in the National Championship?

Why would anyone want Kentucky and Calipari to win the National Championship over Kansas? Much less win the National Championship period. I still can't find a legit reason to root for the Wildcats. Although I do have Kentucky beating Kansas in the title game in one of my brackets, I still can't root for them. The only people that should be rooting for Kentucky are: Kentucky fans/alums, Kansas State fans/alums, or Mizzou fans/alums. The only reason for the ladder two is because of their hatred and dislike for Kansas. Here are a few reasons why you don't need to be rooting for Kentucky.

1. If Kentucky wins, it probably won't count anyway

Cal has already had 2 Final Four banners stripped from him.What makes you think this one wouldn't get stripped away too. While at UMass, Cal coached 1996 National Player of the Year, Marcus Camby. However, a subsequent NCAA investigation found that Camby illegally accepted a total of $28,000 from sports agents that were attempting to lure him into the NBA Draft after his Sophomore season, and the school was forced to vacate its Final Four appearance as well as return their 1996 NCAA Final Four trophy. Camby eventually repaid the school the $151,000 in lost Final Four revenue that came as a result of the NCAA's ruling. Not to mention Cal's only Final Four appearance at Memphis was stripped. Memphis’s trip to the 2008 Final Four was wiped from the record, and the team had  its 38-2 record expunged, after the N.C.A.A. ruled  that Derrick Rose had played the season while academically ineligible because his SAT score was ruled invalid. I am still not convinced that this Kentucky team, that just happens to be full of studs, is clean. They have at least a few true-freshman who will get drafted in the 1st round of the NBA draft. Who is to say these players haven't been paid anything to come to Kentucky for one year.

2. As a Tennessee Fan, I never want our rivals to win

I know conference pride is a big deal now-a-days, but if it is one of your rivals, conference pride goes out the window. As a Tennessee fan, I do not want Kentucky to win a national championship. It would only improve their recruiting. They do not need help in recruiting. They are already a Blue Blood of college basketball. For other teams in the conference to have a chance, we need Kentucky to lose. John Calipari already gets whatever top recruits he wants anyway. Just as I did not want Alabama to win the National Championship in football, I do not want Kentucky to win in basketball. Rivals should always root for their rivals to lose. Do you think Duke fans would be rooting for North Carolina to win tonight if UNC was the team playing Kentucky?

3. Bill Self and this Kansas team is very likable

This Kansas team is a fun team to watch. They have had their backs against the wall all year and continue to fight. Kansas fought back against a very good Ohio State team to win in the National Semi-Finals. Kansas is a team that plays hard and is very resilient. Bill Self is a great X's and O's coach. Self does things the right way and you never hear about his program getting in trouble with the NCAA.

4. Self beating Calipari again in the National Championship Game

For folks here in Memphis, the last time Cal lost in the National Championship Game was devastating. Calipari then went on a few years later to bolt for Kentucky. How ironic would it be for the same coach at the same university to hand Calipari his second loss in only his second National Championship Game appearance. I would love to see Cal squirm on the sidelines again. I don't know what excuse he would have because this Kentucky team is loaded with talent. Here is what happened the last time the two coaches met in the National Championship.

 I have talked to quite a few Memphis fans around the city today. To my surprise there have been quite a few who are pulling for Cal and the Wildcats tonight. They still like Cal and are appreciative for what he did for Memphis basketball. If I remember correctly, Memphis was already a nationally relevant basketball program. They did not need Calipari. There would be nothing more satisfying to see Kansas pull out a win tonight. I am going against my bracket predictions and will yelling at the top of my lungs ROCK CHALK JAYHAWK!

ROWYJO on Twitter

@JuniorGriffy3

@CRezFTW

New Music of 2012: Spring Break Edition

Well it's getting that time of year again. The weather is starting to warm up, the grass is starting to get a little green, major league baseball spring training is underway, and spring break is almost here. I know this is usually Rez's forte, but I wanted to give some recommendations for new music in this early 2012. Rez is the one responsible for introducing me to most of the new music. There has been a ton of good new music out so far in 2012. We don't discriminate here at ROWYJO, so there will be plenty of different genres that we are fans of. So put your sunscreen on, open your itunes, and start a new playlist because this is the new music of 2012:Spring Break Edition.

Cris Cab - #Echo Boom
Cris Cab (@CrisCab) is a 19 -year-old singer songwriter from Miami. His new EP Echo Boom is blowing up right now. Cris brings a nice mellow, reggae influenced sound mixed with a little dub step. His new album features songs with Pharrell, Shaggy, Daytona, and Marc Roberge of OAR, just to name a few. The full album, #Echo Boom, is free and available for download at http://www.facebook.com/CrisCabMusic. His relaxed tone and approach to music sets this album up to be perfect for spring break. There is no way this dude is no going to be a star. Here is his song "Going Home" featuring Marc Roberge.

Under The Flood - A Different Light

Under The Flood (@UndertheFlood) is a rock band from Virginia. Their new album "A Different Light" has taken rocks fans, like myself, by storm. "A Different Light" was produced by The Cat Room Recording Studio. Cat Room Recording is owned by Brian Craddock, who happens to be a guitarist for Daughtry, so you know it has to be good. The whole CD is filled with a crisp, clean, and powerful rock sound which is very hard to find in today's rock music scene. There is not a bad song on the CD, and each song is unique in its own way. For all of you rock fans out there, this is a must get. Take a listen to their song "When It's Over".

Luke Bryan - Spring Break 4 ...Suntan City

Luke Bryan (@LukeBryanOnline) has put out yet another spring break EP. Spring Break 4...Suntan City is the latest installment of his Spring Break EPs. This EP does not disappoint. Well none of Luke's music ever disappoints in my opinion. Suntan City paints a picture of what college kids experience when they hit the beach for Spring Break. The EP is only 4 songs. It is fun, rocking county about beer, sand, girls, and all things Spring Break. This is the absolute perfect time for this EP to come out. Listen to the title track off the EP "Suntan City" .

Other New Music of 2012

Here are some more "Must Listen To" Artist,Albums, and songs so far in this 2012

*Sent by Ravens - Mean What You Say(Album)

*Nine Lashes - World We View (see Rez's review of this album here: http://rockoutwithyourjockout.blogspot.com/2012/02/band-of-day-nine-lashes.html )

* Rebelution - Peace of Mind (Album)

*Elliot Yamin - 3 Words (Song)

*John Mayer - Shadow Days (Song)

We love finding out about new music and sharing it with you guys. If you find something good out there, pass it along to us. We would love to give it a listen. Send us recommendations on twitter: @CRezFTW and @JuniorGriffy3.

PS: Rez thanks for letting me write a music bit.

Are the Knicks in a Lin-Lin Situation?

How could you miss it? Every time you turn on ESPN they are talking about it. Who ever would have thought that a 23 year old undrafted Harvard grad would be causing a city like New York to go Lin-sane. Jeremy Lin has not only taken over New York City, but he has taken over the whole United States and is the most talked about player in the NBA at this very moment. It it very hard to be more popular than the likes of Kobe, LeBron, Kevin Durrant, and even his own teammate Carmello Anthony, but he has found a way to do it.
    Lin got his first start vs the Jazz and had 28 points. This came after scoring 25 off the bench vs the Nets a game before. You may say "Ok 25 points in 1 game, whats the big deal?" Well it didn't stop there. He has gone on to put up 28, 23, 38, and 20 in his first 4 career starts. Lin scored 89 and 109 points in his first 3 and 4 career starts, respectively, the most by any player since the merger between the American Basketball Association (ABA) and the NBA in 1976–77. He is also the first player in the NBA with at least 20 points and 7 assists in his first 4 starts. Not to mention, in the game he scored 38, it was against the Lakers and Kobe only had 34. Then last night for Valentines Day he warmed everyone's hearts by hitting a game winning 3 pointer as time expired to beat the Raptors. The biggest impact he has had is in the win - loss column. Since he has been inserted into the starting line-up, the Knicks haven't lost.
    The Knicks might be in a little conundrum. See Carmello has been out with a groin injury. He has only played 6 minutes total over the span of this most recent winning streak by the Knicks. Carmello is the Knicks best player and leading scorer. It is always great to get your best player back. It is going to be very interesting to see how Carmello and Lin play together when he returns. They both score the ball very well. With that being the case, it should give opposing defenses plenty to worry about. Teams wont be able to focus on just 1 player or the other will hurt them. It is going to be fun to watch the both of them on the court at the same time, now that we know what Lin is capable of doing. The main question I have is, will there be enough shots to go around. We all know that Mello likes to shoot. We have also found out as of late that Lin likes to get his shots too.
    This stretch Lin has been going through, reminds me eerily of what we experienced this past year in the NFL with Tebow-mania. Lin has taken the NBA by storm. He has returned excitement and hope to a Knicks team that has had a down year so far. Not to mention their best player, in Carmello Anthony, had just got hurt. Lin has come on to lead the Knicks out of whatever funk they were in. In my opinion, when Carmello comes back, the Knicks will be in a Lin - Lin situation.

Band of the Day: Nine Lashes

There are few times in my life when I come across an album and am left speechless (trust me). Well...this is absolutely one of those times. Nine Lashes out of Birmingham, AL have produced what in my opinion is a masterful piece of musical art. Every single song on "World We View" took me on a different emotional journey culminating into one seriously pleasing experience. From pure adrenaline, as expressed in the said titled track featuring Thousand Foot Krutch's Trevor McNevan, to the soothing ending track "My Friend", showing a little more sensitive side of the group, this album, in my opinion, was nothing less than fantastic. "World We View" is definitely on my radar for Album of the Year, and should ABSOLUTELY be heard by all. Check them out. Nine Lashes F...T...W!

http://ninelashes.com/

Check out their video for their debut single "Anthem of the Lonely"

The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year, From A Sports Fan's Perspective

We consider this part of the season "The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year". This time of the year is filled with good tidings of great joy. When most think of this part of the year, they think of the holidays. The latter part of December brings Christmas, Hanukkah, and Kwanzaa. It is the time of the season where families get to come together and celebrate. There is nothing like being with your family, enjoying food, fellowship, and gifts. Most of the time everyone is in a great mood, unless they are not looking forward to Aunt Beth's annual "you gave me that as a gift?" gift. I absolutely love this time of year in more ways than one.

This time of year can't get any better for a sports fan. The only other time I can compare it to is the spring when March Madness is ending, the NBA season is coming down the stretch, and the major league baseball season is about to start. I am a huge baseball fan so I am biased there. There is so much going on this time of year in the sports world. Around the holidays has something for all sports fans. For football fans, the NFL only has a few weeks left in the regular season, fantasy football playoffs are in full force, and college football bowls are getting kicked off. Hockey fans can enjoy the regular season, along with the New Year's Day NHL Winter Classic. Every year on January 1, the NHL has an outdoor hockey game featuring 2 NHL teams. This years Classic features the Flyers and the Rangers. There is also something for basketball fans to enjoy. College basketball season is in full tilt and teams are finishing up their non-conference games and preparing for conference to start up. The NBA is usually in mid-season form, except this year it was post-poned due to the lockout. Teams will not have an official start day until Christmas. Just when you think there is nothing for baseball fans, you are wrong. The baseball winter meetings take place. This is where most of the negotiations for the free agents take place. This year saw some of baseball's bigger names sign with new teams. For example, Jose Reyes left the Mets for the new Miami Marlins and Albert Pujols left the defending champions Cardinals for the Angels.

This is truly the most wonderful time of the year. There is nothing better than getting to spend quality time with your loved ones. This time of year is also a sports fans dream with all that is going on. So this holiday season, while you are enjoying time with the family and trying to figure out what that gift is that Aunt Beth just gave you, turn on the TV and enjoy a good game or two. Nothing brings a family closer like chugging a few eggnogs and pulling for your favorite team!

NHL Realignment

by David Caudle

Rarely do you overhear a conversation that sounds like, “did you catch that great hockey game last night?” Hockey is not a commonly watched or supported sport in the south. However, cities like Nashville, Tampa, and Dallas do have strong fan bases. The NHL in general is always pushed aside for leagues such as the NBA and NFL. Hockey did steal the spotlight in 2004 with the infamous NHL Lockout. Since the lockout has resided, the NHL is in full swing and is gaining more support every year. The NHL has always tried to please the players and fans, and this may be why it is sometimes considered “the greatest sport on Earth.” Going along with pleasing the players, the NHL has recently realigned the conferences. This realignment makes travel easier and shorter by putting teams in the same geographical region within the same conference. The realignment also lets the teams have a “home-and-home” with every other team in the league. The following chart displays the new conferences: (courtesy of yahoo sports)

Conf. A Conf. B Conf. C Conf.D

Anaheim Chicago Boston Carolina

Calgary Columbus Buffalo NJ Devils

Colorado Dallas Florida NY Islanders

Edmonton Detroit Montreal NY Rangers

Los Angeles Minnesota Ottawa Philadelphia

Phoenix Nashville Tamp Bay Pittsburgh

San Jose St. Louis Toronto Washington

Vancouver Winnipeg

This system is going to be a big change for all teams, but it can be assumed that this was a much needed plan. The only teams I see as “losing” in this deal are the Florida Panthers and the Tampa Bay Lightning. These Florida teams have to travel to Canada AND the New England area to play the teams in their conference. They will travel to each team at least three times during the season, totaling 15 trips to the North.The other main miscue with this realignment is the loss of rivalries. Teams like Vancouver and Chicago will only meet twice in the season. The Boston Bruins also lose two rivalries in the Philadelphia Flyers and the New York Rangers. The playoffs start within the conference and the top four teams will play in the divisional playoffs. Overall the realignment was needed and it was known that it was going to come sooner or later. Hopefully this change will enable fans to commute to more of their favorite teams home AND away games giving the teams the support they deserve.

*David is an expert on all things hockey, ultimate frisbee, and Alabama Crimson Tide football. He grew up playing ice and roller hockey his whole life. He is currently a sophomore as Mississippi State studying Pre-Med. We are excited that he will be providing us with his hockey expertise as he will bring great insight to the game. You can follow him on Twitter at @david_caudle .

In This Cold and Flu Season, Grizz Fever is Contagious

There is no doubt the city of Memphis is a basketball town. Memphis Tigers basketball has always been the city's first love. On March 26, 2001 the Grizzlies relocated from Vancouver to Memphis. The city was ecstatic back then and has been ever since. I guess you could call it Grizz Fever. Just like any city, when things tend to go wrong, cities tend to rally around their teams. It brings the fans together. No matter the race, age, or social class, everyone is a fan of that one team come game night. Teams play a huge role in bringing cities together.

For example, the city of New Orleans rallied around the New Orleans Saints in 2006. In 2005, Hurricane Katrina hit the city and wiped out many homes, business, and the place was unrecognizable. That 2006 season, the city rallied around their Saints all the way the NFC Championship Game. Did the Saints win the Superbowl that year?No. But it did give the city a sense of pride and something to cheer about while all of the rebuilding was going on.

The Grizzlies are getting ready to start up their season on December 26 vs. the Spurs. How ironic is it that the Grizzlies are starting off their season trying to recapture "Grizz Fever"vs the team that started "Grizz Fever" a year ago. As we all know, last year in the playoffs the eighth seed Grizzlies beat the first seed Spurs in the first round of the playoffs. I still get chills to this day thinking about it. The Grizzlies had to play hard all the way through the last game of the year just to get into the playoffs. It had been 2006 since the Grizz had last made it into the playoffs. The city was ecstatic just to be in playoffs. So when the Grizzlies pulled off the game 1 upset in San Antonio vs the #1 off of a game winning shot by Shane Battier, "Grizz Fever" was in full force. The city had a certain buzz to it wherever you went. As we all remember too vividly, the Grizzlies went on to win that series but lost in seven games to the Oklahoma City Thunder in the Western Conference Semifinals.

The city had rallied around the Grizzlies and it was something I had never seen in the city before. Every single person was rooting for the Grizzlies. A ton of people who don't usually go to Grizzlies games found themselves in the FedEx forum come playoff time. The city was in the middle of a rough patch. The economy had been down for a years. People were losing their jobs and companies were having to be shut down. Not to mention Memphis was experiencing flooding around the city at the time. The Mississippi River had gotten so high that Tom Lee Park was under water. The Grizzlies were a bright spot for the city at that time. Fans could get away from all the negative things going on in their personal lives for a few hours. They were able to leave all that stuff outside when they would head into the FedEx Forum to watch "Their Grizzlies".

Grizz Fever caught on last year. Now that the new season is approaching, the city is looking to continue it over from last season. The city still has its fever bottled up from the end of the playoffs, I know at least I do. We are ready to send our team further in the playoffs than they went last year. Get your thunder sticks and growl towels ready because Grizz Fever is about to hit the city again and it is contagious!