NBA
- What is the best team in NBA so far ?
The Spurs have absolutely been the best team. The consistency and incredible veteran leadership they have shown has been the reason for the fantastic start. While they have been the best SO FAR, I’m still not sure they are the best team in the NBA. The Heat and Celtics may both be better than San Antonio. Boston, like San Antonio, have shown that they are NOT too old and have displayed consistency that could lead them to the Finals. And despite Miami’s slow start, we are finally seeing how good this team of superstars can be.
- Do you think Miami Heat is on fire. Will them win the NBA title ?
Miami is certainly one of the 3-4 favorites to win it all. The “Big 3” of Wade, James and Bosh is playing incredibly well, but they are also getting great contributions from their bench. And when Mike Miller is back at 100%, I think he gives them the outside shot they may be missing now. They are VERY good and I think will ultimately win the East. But I still think they may be a year away from the title. I still like either the Spurs or Lakers in the West to win the championship.
- Do you think Kobe is better than Jordan was ?
No, no no no no no no. Michael Jordan was the best that ever played. There is no question in my mind. His athleticism, confidence, consistency and desire to take (and hit) the last shot stands alone. Also, he was an incredible defender. He took pride in his defense to a level that I haven’t seen Kobe hit. Yes, Kobe is a good defender, but MJ was better. There will never be another Michael Jordan.
- Do you think the Heat can turn a team "unbeatable" in the next years ?
I’m not sure what you mean by “unbeatable.” Nobody is “unbeatable” as I see it. I think they can become a 65-70-game winner but anything more than that is unlikely in today’s NBA.
- Kevin Durant could be one of the best players in history?
I think KD COULD become one of the best ever but he still has to develop the “killer” instinct late in games. He hasn’t had success hitting bit shots late in games. He also needs to improve defensively if he wants to be in the “best in history” discussion. He is still incredibly young and with the group he has in Oklahoma City, he certainly has the potential to become a top 1 or 2 player in the NBA today.
- Which teams you belive advance to the NBA Finals this season?
It is so early to pick this now, but I will say that the Spurs and Heat will end up in the Finals.
CFB
- If you could, would you change the CFB rules to have playoffs instead of bowls or something half term ?
If I could devise a system, I would use the current BCS system of ranking teams to determine a top 4, and then let 1 play 4 and 2 play 3 with those two winners in the national championship game. I really don’t like the idea of a playoff (particularly 16 teams) because I do believe that the urgency and importance of every week of the season would be lost. I could, however, probably handle an 8-team playoff but absolutely no more than that.
- Would you say Cam Newton will be the number 1 pick in NFL draft 2012 ?
I don’t think Newton will be in the draft in 2012. I firmly believe he comes out this year.
- Who will win Auburn or Oregon ?
I think Oregon wins this game, 45-38. Both teams can score with fantastic offenses but I think Oregon’s ability to play fast and spread out a defense could create problems for Auburn and its defensive line (its defensive strength).
- What for you was the biggest disappointment this season ?
Alabama. I thought Alabama had the talent and experience to win another national championship. I never imagined that team could lose three games.
- What is the coach of the year for you ?
I voted for the Home Depot Coach of the year award and selected Auburn’s Gene Chizik, who won. I voted for Virginia Tech’s Frank Beamer second and Michigan State’s Mark Dantonio third.
CBK
- What about the expansion of March Madness ?
NO. I think it’s perfect the way it is. They are going to 68 this year. I wouldn’t want any more.
- UCONN (Women's) or Duke (Men's) which team is most impressive ?
Absolutely, the UCONN women’s team is more impressive. 89 consecutive wins, with all but two by double-figures, is unfathomable. They are the epitome of a “dominant team.”
LIFE
- Tell us a little about your career, how did you reach ESPN ?
I graduated from the University of Oklahoma with a degree in Broadcast Journalism. My first TV job was in a little town called Kalispell, in Northwest Montana. I was there for two years before moving to a TV station in Lincoln, Nebraska. After two years in Lincoln, I got a job at a TV station in my hometown of Tulsa, Oklahoma. Two years later, I came to ESPN.
- How is work in the worldwide leader in sports ?
Fantastic. I do a variety of TV shows, ESPN Radio and have the opportunity to do occasional play-by-play for college football and college basketball. I couldn’t ask for anything more.
- What are your plans for the future ?
Hopefully to remain at ESPN for as long as possible.
- You have a life kind of busy. How do you work on it with your family ?
My wife Jennifer is fantastic and very understanding of my schedule. We make the best of it. My kids are 5 and 1 and don’t really realize that my schedule is unusual. I make it a point that when I am not at work, I am with my family. We are very, very close.
- What would you say to someone who is iniciating in the job ?
Be persistent. Gain as much practical experience as you can through school. Make contacts and work hard.
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