Lebron, MJ, and Pro Wrestling

Like every living and breathing sports fan, I’ve been pondering Lebron, his first title, and how it makes me feel. Because Lebron plays basketball this inevitably involves Michael Jordan. While I was acting like I cared about what my co-workers were gossiping about, I had an epiphany. My love for MJ is similar to my childhood obsession with professional wrestling. After reading this, maybe you’ll feel the same way too.

As a kid, I loved pro wrestling. Obviously, I was drawn to the action, violence, the larger than life figures, and Miss Elizabeth. But I think there was a deeper connection. You see, in pro wrestling there are bad guys (heels) and good guys (babies). They will engage in long and often drawn out feuds, but the babies almost always win. Good triumphs over evil. The excitement of great feuds was the intrigue, the prolonged wait for victory, and the surprise at how high Macho Man jumped from the top rope… how Hulk Hogan could possibly body slam Andre the Giant… And how any man could get up from a Tombstone Pile Driver.

My childhood was a simpler time, and there was some comfort in knowing that the good guys would win. At the same time, I enjoyed the drama of how and why. It’s not all that different from a romantic comedy. We all know the princess will live happily ever after in love, but some pansies enjoy the exciting (and seldom surprising) how and why. That’s the same way I remember feeling about Michael Jordan. We all expected him to win. I even hoped for it. But the way he was able to do it – hanging in the air over the entire Lakers roster… stripping Karl Malone and draining a knock down J… shrugging at his own brilliance. That’s what made it spectacular. MJ was a baby face and babies always win. But the great ones always make the inevitable exciting.

Although I act like it, I’m not a child anymore. I like a more nuanced storyline. Ones that blur good and evil or that have an open ending. Maybe that’s why I enjoy The Dark Knight and Inception, but I find the WWE a little lacking these days. Maybe that’s why I find Lebron James a little lacking, too. We all knew deep down that he’d win a title, but we didn’t know how. Lebron shared some great moments this spring, some truly inspired basketball, and some surprising leadership. I knew I was watching greatness as it was happening, but I was distant and detached. My emotions didn’t hang on every jump shot. Maybe I just need a more nuanced story.

I always thought Lebron was great, but not quite great enough to capture my imagination. Maybe my imagination is just too great to be captured by Lebron.

Up and Comers: Group F

Young Players with Stocks on the Rise – Group F

Riccardo Montolivo (Italy, Fiorentina) Age 25
The Italian boss was keen to involve this all-action performer in his squad, with Montolivo's midfield defensive duties so often complimented by his fearsome long range shooting ability. Hard working and strong in the tackle, he has all the qualities required to claim a permanent spot in the Italian side in years to come.
Domenico Criscito (Italy, Genoa) Age 23
This speedy fullback can be relied upon to find space down the flanks to put pinpoint accurate crosses into the box for his waiting teammates. After failing into break into the ranks at Juventus, Criscito settled for a starting spot on Genoa’s team. Perhaps a fine showing in South Africa will show future employers his full potential.
Giorgio Chiellini (Italy, Juventus) Age 25
Chiellini is a frightening sight for any attacker with his sturdy frame and fiery eyes. He is a no- nonsense defender who takes pleasure in delivering bone crushing tackles. Another valuable facet on his game is his ability to mow down opponents on the way to score much needed goals from set pieces.
Victor Caceres (Paraguay, Libertad) Age 25
This player from humble beginnings has won complete faith of his coach. Caceres is dependable defensive midfielder who unleashes youthful abandon in his spot on tackles and heads up play. He has the energy to last the full 90 minutes and the tactical mind to effective the entire time.
Lucas Barrios (Paraguay, Borussia Dortmund) Age 25
This 6ft 2in striker is prolific in front of goal when the ball is at his feet. Barrios consistently proves how deadly he is in the box by making spectacular moments out of half chances. He can only hope that pre-tournament jitters disappear by the time he is called upon to act.
Edgar Benitez (Paraguay, CF Pachuca) Age 22
This little Paraguayan sparkplug has just recently burst onto the international scene. Benitez is a spirited and truly skilled attacker. One of his chief assets is his speed off the mark and another is his versatility - he is equally at home in wide areas as in a central striker role. Look for him as Paraguay’s super-sub.
Winston Reid (New Zealand, FC Midtjylland) Age 21
Winston Reid is a fresh face in the All Whites lineup. He is a combative defender with an advantage in the air due to his 6ft 3in height. He will run until his shoes come off and will give his team 110% of his effort to keep their World Cup dreams alive.
Valdmir Weiss (Slovakia, Bolton Wanderers) Age 20
Playing with the stigma of being the coach’s son, Weiss feels the need to prove his selection to his countrymen. He combines flair, skill on the ball and a fearless approach to running at defenders to make him an exciting creative force. Moulded straight from an old fashioned winger, the twinkle-toed youngster is a handful for any defense with his mazy dribbling and accurate crossing.
Martin Skrtel (Slovakia, Liverpool) Age 25
This hulking centre-back is the one-man fortress at the heart of the Slovak backline, quick, aggressive and strong in the air. His Premier League and Champions League experience will be vital for a country with no experience of major international finals. Marking Torres in training for Liverpool will certainly help ready him for the challenge of marking world-class centre forwards.
Marek Hamsik (Slovakia, Napoli) Age 22
Marek Hamsik has emerged in the past two seasons as one of the brightest prospects in Serie A after a number of scintillating performances for Napoli. Now Hamsik has the opportunity to prove his ability on a global stage and the world will be watching to see if this precocious talent can truly live up to his billing as one of the best young attacking midfielders in the world.

Up and Comers: Group E

Young Players with Stocks on the Rise – Group E

Simon Kjaer (Denmark, Palermo) Age 21
Kjaer is one of world football’s hottest young prospects. This steely defender currently plies his trade for Palermo in Italy, and he will use this World Cup to add sparkle to his resume. Europe’s elite clubs have taken notice of Kjaer’s versatility and quick footballing brain. A good showing may earn him the FIFA Young Player award this tournament.
Nicklas Bendtner (Denmark, Arsenal) Age 22
Bendtner has no lack of self confidence, borderline conceit. The striker is a key performer for his country and is highly rated by Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger, although he suffers from the odd lack of focus that has not made him the most popular of players. From the look of him, he is tall and strong. If he is able to hold opponents off the ball and keep an eye on the movement of his teammates, then he may give Denmark a fighting chance.
Christian Eriksen (Denmark, Ajax Amsterdam) Age 18
Christian Eriksen is officially the youngest player at the World Cup in South Africa. He will not let his youth bar him for living out his dream. This young star can impress all with his calm composure on the ball. He will contribute to the team effort by scoring the occasional goal and setting up plenty of others. Good work done in the tournament may equate a move to an established cub such as Arsenal.
Eljero Elia (Netherlands, Hamburg SV) Age 23
I predicted that Elia will emerge as one of the star names at this World Cup. With the fitness concerns over Dutch star winger Arjen Robben, Elia may be thrust into an even more significant role. Feast your eyes upon his mazy runs with his speedy bursts on the left flank a threat to the best of defenders.
Gregory Van Der Wiel (Netherlands, Ajax Amsterdam) Age 22
This defender made midfielder is flush with promise. Van Der Wiel is unafraid to take on the opposition with his blinding pace and unbending will. He will be a great addition to the long list of Dutch stars in the offensive lineup. This World Cup will bring him an extra level of confidence and perhaps a nice move this summer.
Ibrahim Afellay (Netherlands, PSV Eindhoven) Age 24
Afellay provides the Dutch manager with an excellent sub choice late in games. He is a classy imaginative midfielder who can revive any flatlined attacking movement. He will settle in nicely in the pocket behind the strikers ready to pounce on any loose ball floating around the top of the box.
Joel Matip (Cameroon, Schakle 04) Age 18
This teenage defensive midfielder, stopper or full back has proved a revelation this season in the German domestic league, combining gritty tackling, good speed, athleticism and rare composure. There is a sense that Cameroon can be the team to carry all of Africa’s dreams, and Matip is fully committed to that mission.
Maxim (Eric) Choupo-Moting (Cameroon, Hamburg SV) Age 21
Choupo-Moting is an immensely talent German born forward. He made some news after he chose to commit to his father’s homeland of Cameroon after starring for multiple German junior level international teams. He will partner with world superstar Samuel Eto’o in attack for the Indomitable Lions. He will be under pressure to score goals early or else he will find his way to the bench.
Alex Song (Cameroon, Arsenal) Age 22
He will never get the credit he deserves, but Song fills a crucial position for both club and country. When he is in the lineup, you can find Song poised to take on all takers just in front of his team’s backline. If you can imagine the advantage of a sci-fi space ship having a force field, then you can imagine the importance of a skilled defensive midfielder to a team’s overall performance. His area of responsibility to breakdown each offensive onslaught and then spark his own squad’s counter.
Vincent Aboubakar (Cameroon, Cotonsport Garoua) Age 18
This highly-rated teenage striker is the only home-based player on the Cameroon roster. His play resembles his fellow countryman’s, Samuel Eto’o. He certainly seems to be an up-and- coming entertainer, a brilliant finisher with either foot, a mazy dribbler and boasting a great
array of tricks and step-overs. If he can earn some playing time, it won’t take long for word of Aboubakar's talent to reach the ears of European scouts.
Keisuke Honda (Japan, CSKA Moscow) Age 24
Honda is a distinctly European Japanese player, which is both his gift and his greatest criticism. His time at CSKA Moscow has encouraged him to take an individualistic approach to goal scoring much to the chagrin of his national team peers who concentrate on defense first. Honda will use the World Cup finals as his platform to become a major international star.
Takayuki Morimoto (Japan, Catania) Age 22
An intelligent and mobile striker who has just completed his fourth season in Italian football with the Sicilians of Catania, Morimoto is so highly-rated that AC Milan starlet Pato labeled him recently as the most gifted young player in Serie A. "Everything is possible for him in the future," is the view of the brilliant Brazilian.

NBA Draft Links

- Chad Ford's draft buzz
- The Mystery of Elliot Williams, by Chad Ford
- Mark Stein may have some insight on why New Jersey would select Wesley Johnson at #3
- An updated recap on the possible Chris Paul trades
- Lakers GM, Kobe Bryant, eyeing Raja Bell
- Details on the Warriors Corey Maggette trade
- Details from the CA on a possible Grizzlies trade
- Ron Tillery's take on the Grizzlies' Paul George workout

Up and Comers: Group D

Young Players with Stocks on the Rise – Group D

Kwadwo Asamoah (Ghana, Udinese) Age 21

It is said that Ghana lack attacking options, so players like Asamoah will have to create magic from the midfield. He is a dynamic figure with the power to orchestrate play from box to box. He is reported to be on the shopping list of AC Milan; however they may have competition for his signature if his mesmerizing dribbling and accurate left foot can push Ghana to glory.

Kevin-Prince Boateng (Ghana, Portsmouth) Age 23

This Berlin-born, massively tattooed midfielder has often been labeled as a bad boy of soccer. Most recently his name was splashed on the pages of newspapers for being behind the tackle that took the German captain, Michael Ballack, out of the World Cup. Despite his appearance and reputation, Boateng constantly forges classy football with his raw power, pace, and skill.

Asamoah Gyan (Ghana, Stade Rennes) Age 24

Gyan is the focal point of the Black Stars’ offense. He has a nose for goals and will be deadly waiting on the edge of the box to pounce. If Gyan can stay healthy throughout the tournament, he will earn his deserved respect as an African hitman.

Zoran Tosic (Serbia, Manchester United) Age 23

Tosic’s profile has risen like a tidal wave since Manchester United purchased him in 2009. This gifted attacking midfielder is much love by his national team coach and is expected to leave an impression on the World Cup audience. Most likely Tosic will be deployed as second half substitute when a game needs new life breathed into it.

Neven Subotic (Serbia, Borussia Dortmund) Age 21

Neven Subotic may very well be called the one that got away if he makes a big impact for Serbia this year. His family was in Florida as political refugees during the Balkans Wars of the 1990s, yet when it came to decide which country to represent on the senior level Subotic opted for his family’s homeland. He is a confident centre-back with a sharp eye for the game and demanding presence of the field. His career has nowhere to go but up.

Carl Valeri (Australia, Sassuolo) Age 25

Central midfielder Valeri currently plays for a second division Italian teams and relishes a return to the top flight. This young starlet started in Italy with Inter but failed to mess the talent laden squad. He has found a new path in life with the Aussie national team. In a team of veterans he is the only youngster worthy enough to start for his country.

**I have one note before I start with my picks from the German national team. It was very hard not to name the entire squad. Germany has packed its roster with a boatload of young talents where the average age for this 2010 World Cup squad is 25 years old. The German giants will go far in this tournament on the backs of these young bucks.

Thomas Muller (Germany, Bayern Munich) Age 20

The past year has been a fairytale story for Thomas Muller. In his first year as a senior level player Muller has been an all-star sensation. His style of play echoes the form of Germany’s legends. He is known for being one step ahead of the opponent, first to the ball, a precision crosser, and ice cold finisher. Plan on seeing him have a breakthrough performance for Germany that will overshadow the success he had at club level.

Mesut Ozil (Germany, Werder Bremen) age 21

Ozil brings originality and improvisation to the German midfield. Anticipate seeing him involved in each and every attacking movement, and even bagging a few goals along the way. Europe’s top coaches will be grading Ozil’s performance at the same time they push for extra transfer money to secure his talents.

Sami Khedira (Germany, VfB Stuttgart) Age 23

This dynamic and industrious central midfielder skippered Germany to glory at last year's European Under-21 Championships, and now he is charged with the monumental task to fill the shoes of injured national team captain, Michael Ballack. Khedira has matured in recent years, yet his youth shows in his vitality and his willingness to run himself to death for every ball.

Marko Marin (Germany, Werder Bremen) Age 21

Marko Marin is Germany’s little magician. This mighty playmaker has an aptitude to pull ingenious moments out of a hat without notice. He will be a valuable asset coming off the bench, but without a doubt Marin is a secret weapon for the national team waiting to stretch his legs in South Africa. Prepare to be mesmerized.

NBA Draft - Memphis Links

NBA draft week is kinda like Chanukah here at From the Sidelines, so here's a Memphis-related packet of links to stuff your draft knowledge.

- A great article by the Commercial Appeal's Ronald Tillery detailing the Grizzlies' draft process (or lack thereof)
- Griz draft plans still a mystery (I'm shocked)
- Chris Vernon's summary of thoughts on players that have worked out for the Grizzlies in Memphis
- A second edition of Verno thoughts on workouts
- Detailed info from the Memphis Flyer on Memphis' first and second workouts
- Elliot Williams' Draft Express profile
- Follow Elliot Williams on Twitter

Up and Comers: Group C

Young Players with Stocks on the Rise – Group C

Wayne Rooney (England, Manchester United) Age 24

Very little needs to be said about this player. Rooney is universally known as one of the best soccer players in the world. He is the complete package that any manager would die to have in their team arsenal. Tough-as-nails and skillful on the ball, Rooney can place an inch perfect pass or ripe a blazing shot from any position on the field. England hopes that his unquenchable passion will lead their team to victory.

Glen Johnson (England, Liverpool) Age 25

Johnson is a pacey defender who uses his speed to aid him in cover and on counterattacks. England boss, Fabio Capello, anticipates Johnson to burn a path up and down the right flank to add numbers to the attack. He will take every opportunity to supply crosses from the wings and will look to cut inside for the occasional shot.

Joe Hart (England, Manchester City) Age 23

He is one of the biggest talents in England as a goalkeeper, for sure. He has everything. He is physically strong, mentally strong, he has good reflexes, and he is very good on the line. Unfortunately, Hart is considered too young and inexperienced to be thrown into the full action at the World Cup, but definitely one to watch for the future. Who knows, if England continues to have heartbreaks in goal, we may see this young talent takeover.

Jozy Altidore (United States, Villarreal) Age 20

Altidore was the leading scorer for the US during World Cup qualifying. Built like a miniature tank, Jozy can muscle his way through the thickest defenses. His exceptional ball skills allow him to receive the ball at his feet even under pressure. He has not had much success in Europe to date, but an all-star performance in South Africa could help to show his quality.

Jose Torres (United States, Pachuca) Age 22

Torres is a new name on the US national team roster. A Texan by birth but a Mexican by heritage, Torres only recently put his alliance in the United States camp. We are lucky to have him. He is a creative midfielder that mirrors the play of many of the world’s great playmakers, such as Xavi and Pirlo. Torres has built up a fine reputation for retaining the ball and showing good touch. He will be fighting for a chance to play behind the coach’s son, Michael Bradley.

Bostjan Cesar (Slovenia, Grenoble) Age 23

Slovenia’s national coach, Matjaz Kek, has said that Cesar is a man you can build a backline around. He is tall, strong, and has an ironclad defensive mentality. The World Cup may the second chance to revitalize his young career. Early in his playing days, Cesar suffered a long-term head injury that sidelined him for more than a year. He will be playing to show the world footballing community that he is living out his potential.

Samir Handanovic (Slovenia, Udinese) Age 25

Handanovic is a very agile goalkeeper with the ability to muster up some spectacular saves. His time in the Italian top league has given him a wealth of experience against topnotch strikers. Not much is expected from Slovenia in this tournament, but if there are too be any surprising results from this team, Handanovic is surely going to be the key figure behind their success.

Tim Matavz (Slovenia, FC Groningen) Age 21

This young goal scoring phenomenon muscled his way onto the Slovenian team on reputation alone. Matavz did not get called up to the national team until two weeks before the tournament started. At 6ft 3in he will be a contender in aerial battles and on set pieces. Look for him to be used primarily as a super sub to bring a spark to any match.

Karim Matmour (Algeria, Borussia Monchengladbach) Age 24

This thrusting right winger may not be an automatic pick for his German club, but his flair and never-say-die attitude constitute a major part of the offensive plans of the Algerian national team. Matmour was a hero for Algeria in the African Cup of Nations, so tried and tested in big time games.