In case you missed it, Japan’s Hideki Matsuyama captured this year’s Masters golf tournament by one shot on Sunday. 

According to a news source, there were a surprisingly large number of people who didn’t watch The Masters over the weekend.   The first major golf tournament of 2021 pulled a respectable 5.5 rating on Sunday and an estimated 9.5 million television viewers.   That marked the lowest number of final round television viewers since the 1993 Masters (won by Germany’s talented but generally stoic golf legend, Bernhard Langer). 

The TV ratings were down, but it wasn’t due to the condition of America’s most beautiful golf course. 

Augusta National Country Club looked like an “11” on a scale of 1-10 on television this weekend.  The azaleas were blooming and even your colorblind scribe could tell how much it brightened the views on so many of the televised holes.   Golf fans had a chance to see this lovely layout tucked in the rolling hills of northeast Georgia at its incredibly well manicured peak last weekend.     

So, it wasn’t the golf course or the weather which didn’t fetch the usual number of television viewers for this year’s Masters golf tournament.  What happened?   

Simple.  Sunday’s winner was Hikeki Matsuyama (who had just 5 PGA wins prior to earning his first major championship).  Next were Will Zalatoris (who dat?) in second, Xander Schauffele and Jordan Spieth in a tie for third followed by John Rahm, Marc Leishman, Justin Rose, and Corey Connors.  

Though most viewers are familiar with Jordan Spieth and Justin Rose, the other names at the top of this weekend’s golf tournament are not as well-known to casual golf fans. 

It didn’t help matters that Matsuyama had a four shot lead to start the day and, despite making a few key mistakes down the stretch, none of the golfers gave chase.  Though a vintage 1986 Jack Nicklaus-type of final round rally never materialized on Sunday, the door was left open for one of the challengers to make it a close finish.  It simply didn’t happen.    

It was like watching a horse jumping far ahead of the field right out of the gate at the Kentucky Derby and then never seeing another horse give serious chase to catch him.  Yes, it made for exceptionally boring television unless you were rooting for the leader.

Swing-for-the fences golfer Bryson DeChambeau faltered on Sunday and finished at +5.  Phil Mickelson (now 50) and Justin Thomas both finished at even-par and a whopping ten shots back.   The 2020 Masters champion, Dustin Johnson, didn’t even make the cut to play on the weekend. 

Tiger Woods never teed it up as he continues rehabbing from what could have been a fatal car wreck near Los Angeles several weeks ago.  Tiger is lucky just to be alive and his return to golf is unknown but well down the road.

With leader Hideki Matsuyama sporting a big 4-shot lead starting Round 4 at The Masters Sunday, a few of the pursuers mounted a brief challenge.  Just like watching Olympic skiers heading quickly downhill sporting too much momentum, each of Matsuyama’s challengers would crash at some point along the way and hand Japan’s new golf hero his first career major championship by a single shot. 

The 29-year old Hideki Matsuyama is no fluke.  He had finished in the top six in each of golf’s four major championships.  He certainly earned the win and his Green Jacket on Sunday.

There are 32 teams in the National Football League.  If your favorite team wants to get to a Super Bowl, we’ve proven the case here that having a top tier quarterback is a virtual necessity.

The NFL’s annual draft is coming in less than three weeks.  As usual, a growing list of quarterbacks is being floated for first round picks for the league’s perpetual bottom feeders. 

It’s easy to see why.  Having a new young fresh face to lead and help to turn your city’s professional football team helps raise hopes and, of course, sells tickets and merchandise.  I cannot remember a football team selling thousands of jerseys after the first round selection of their new offensive tackle pick.  Though your first-round offensive tackle might become an NFL Hall-of-Fame player in twenty years, the local fan base will boo your draft pick if a more celebrated quarterback was available to select.

After reviewing the likely quarterbacks expected to be selected in the upcoming NFL draft at the end of April, these young men are likely to hear their names called in Round 1:

* Trevor Lawrence – Clemson – Best known for his 6’6’ frame, gorgeous throws downfield, his flowing locks and friendly smile, Lawrence has been considered to be the consensus best quarterback talent for all three years of his college career.  Will this translate into wins immediately for the NFL team which picks him?* Zach Wilson – Brigham Young University – He’s tough, smart, a great leader, a pinpoint passer, and runs with authority.  What’s not to like about this 6’2” quarterback?  But is he really worth a top two or three pick this year?* Trey Lance – North Dakota State – Yes, this is the same FCS school that wins the championship nearly every year and made Carson Wentz a first round choice by Philadelphia a few years ago.  Lance is 6’4”, throws well enough, runs even better, and appears (by some) to have a lot of NFL upside.  Maybe.* Justin Fields – Ohio State – The talented Fields has the required first round pedigree (6’3”, 227 pounds, great arm, quickness in the pocket, etc.).  On the other hand, he left Georgia after failing to beat Jake Fromm out of the starting job.  Questions about his work ethic and commitment to the team are swirling.  But someone WILL take him early.* Mac Jones – Alabama – Talk about a one-hit wonder!  Jones patiently waited his turn at Bama and made the most of his only full year as the starting quarterback by winning a national championship.  A great leader with an accurate arm, the 6’3” Jones isn’t known for his fleet feet.  Regardless, expect to hear his name called in the first round, too.* Kyle Trask – Florida – Much like Mac Jones, Trask’s final season at Florida was his only full-year in leading the Gators.  He became a surprising Heisman contender by throwing 43 touchdowns in just ten games last season.   At 6’5”, he is extremely accurate and benefitted from having some talented receivers on his team, too.  He may or may not hear his name called late in the first round.

Statistically speaking, I think it is quite likely that perhaps two of these six quarterbacks will develop into a productive NFL starting quarterback and remain a hot commodity at the end of their first four years in the NFL. 

The point is that selecting a quarterback in the first round of the draft can work out great (see Justin Herbert – #16 overall pick last year for the Chargers) or not so great (Dwayne Haskins – #15 pick for Washington just two years ago and has already been released). 

Now, let’s consider a unique alternative to using the proverbial shotgun in hopes of bagging a long-time starter for your NFL team.

It’s here…again!

Yes, after being delayed until November last year in the forgettable year called 2020, The Masters golf tournament is teeing-up again today as it returns to its rightful April slot in 2021.

Though Dustin Johnson lit up the scoreboard with a record-setting 20-under par total back in November, I think his score should receive an asterisk, too.  The course conditions at Augusta National Golf Club were not the same as he will find today.  The golf course was soft, the winds didn’t blow, and the fans were totally absent.  Make no mistake, DJ was the best player in the field that week and was quite deserving of his Green Jacket.

Now that we have 2020 in our rear view mirror (Hal-le-lu-jah!), The Masters has returned to usher in springtime for Americans once again!   

Here are ten predictions for what to expect this week in Augusta, Georgia:  

* Rain!  Yes, the weather has a lot to do with this golf event nearly every year.  Though the greens are always slick, Mother Nature is being predicted to interrupt the golf at least on one or two days.  The players who receive the good fortune of playing after the rain ends will have a brief opportunity to go flag-hunting on the greens at Augusta National.  Watch for this on Friday and Saturday.  Those golfers who finish early will not receive this extra scoring boost.  It might make a big difference after 72 holes!* Golf’s 6-time Green Jacket Giant – As you will hear probably 100 times over the next four days, this year marks the 35th anniversary of then-46 years old Jack Nicklaus’ amazing come-from-behind charge in the final round to win the 1986 Masters tournament and his sixth Green Jacket.  If you are old enough to have seen this happen “live” in 1986, Jack’s inspired play on that glorious afternoon are still burned into your long-term memory and will never fade.  I don’t think America has never cheered so hard for any one player to win a golf tournament – before or after.  Jack’s Sunday afternoon rally on the back nine was simply that special.* Look at those azaleas!  It’s time for me to admit that I am quite colorblind and have trouble distinguishing colors in combinations.  While in my teens, I fondly remember my Mom telling me that she was looking forward to watching The Masters with me.  When I inquired when she had become a golf fan, she responded, “To look at all those pretty flowers, of course!”  Years later, my Mom has passed-on, but my wife agrees wholeheartedly about looking at the red, pink, and white flowering azalea bushes on nearly every hole at Augusta National Golf Club.  There is something for everyone to enjoy this weekend! * Thursday’s ceremonial opening tee shot – I have retired from my former career and don’t use an alarm clock anymore unless traveling (Yes, it’s a wonderful thing!).  I made an exception this morning, though.  At 6:45AM CDT, the first tee at Augusta National Golf Club featured two all-time golf greats.  81-year old Jack Nicklaus and 85-years young Gary Player each hit a tee-shot on the first hole to open this year’s event.  This year, the third member of that ceremonial first group was 86-year old Lee Elder.  Lee was the first black golfer to ever play at The Masters (1975) and would tee-it up at Augusta National five more times through 1981.  Due to his declining health, Lee Elder was unable to hit a tee shot on #1 earlier today, but he received a few rousing ovations from the crowd.* Old guys playing golf alongside of this year’s young stars – Unique to The Masters, any former champion may return and play in the golf tournament in every year that they still wish to participate.  Most Green Jacket champions eventually hang-up their golf cleats...

In case you haven’t noticed, the Toronto Raptors of the National Basketball Association are not playing any basketball games in Toronto this season.  Nope, they have been quietly toiling in Tampa, Florida.

I just learned that Major League Baseball’s Toronto Blue Jays have begun their 2021 season playing games in – wait for it – Dunedin, Florida!   To save you a trip to your map, Dunedin is just north of St. Petersburg, Florida (which is just across the bridge located west of Tampa). 

Yes, Toronto’s two professional sports franchises are currently playing their home games in the United States in western Florida. 

What gives?

With the lingering COVID pandemic, Canada is even more paranoid about the spread of the evil virus than here in the United States.  The Canadian government has extremely rigorous travel restrictions in place.  I mean, REALLY restrictive.

Below is what you must do if traveling via air into Canada.  This is according to the Canadian government’s own website:

As of February 21, 2021, travelers, unless exempted, will be required to:

* reserve a government-authorized hotel for 3 nights prior to departure to Canada* take a COVID-19 molecular test on arrival in Canada* stay in the government-authorized hotel while awaiting the results of the COVID-19 molecular test taken on arrival* pay for the cost of the hotel stay, as well as all associated costs for:* food* security* transportation* infection prevention and control measures

To sum this up, you must reserve and pay for three nights at an approved hotel after your airplane arrives in Canada.  You must also pay for your own food, transportation, and your own special COVID-19 testing, too.   

You might want to plan on spending at least $1000 (US) for this three day government mandated quarantine before getting to see the sights up in lovely Canada.

Price Range per NightProvincesSingle occupancyDouble occupancyTriple or Quad occupancyAlberta$180 to $475$230 to $550$280 to $800British Columbia$420 to $530$440 to $730$450 to $930Ontario$310 to $400$450 to $550$500 to $750Quebec$320 to $450$420 to $580$520 to $740Canada’s approved Quarantine Hotels – Nightly rates

This is really wild.  Before you think that you can sneak out of there early, you better think twice!    

If Dudley Do-Right of the Royal Mounted Police should be able to locate you, expect to be fined $3000/day.  But wait, there’s more!

According to the “Quarantine Act” and Canada’s “Contravention Act”, you are in deep trouble if your escape from the Quarantine Inn causes someone else to get sick.  Here is the law:

“If a person breaks mandatory quarantine or isolation requirements and causes the death of or serious bodily harm to another person, they could face a fine of up to $1,000,000, imprisonment of up to three years, or both.”

Yikes! 

I’m now wondering if the US should consider hiring these guys to be in charge of the US southern border right now.  Just sayin’…

Back to sports, the NBA Toronto/Tampa Raptors are not faring well playing their home basketball games in Florida this year.  After winning their first NBA championship two years ago in 2019 and making the NBA playoffs for five consecutive years,

I have friends who have contended that the NBA (meaning the league’s hierarchy) purposefully tries to rig the outcomes every year in favor of “favorite” players and teams.  That’s why we seem to always find players like LeBron James, Michael Jordan, Larry Bird, and Magic Johnson in the NBA Finals so often.

If you have watched the National Basketball Association long enough, it doesn’t take long to see that the league’s designated stars tend to get a different treatment from the referees – especially during the playoffs.  Notice how quickly the referees will assign a foul to a nearby (and lesser known) player during a close play when the foul should have been called on one of the league’s most popular stars. 

Most observers will agree on that point. 

It makes economic sense for the NBA to try keep its most popular stars on the court for as long as possible to please fans and television viewers.   So, let’s concede the point that the NBA referees (who are hired and paid by the NBA) think long and hard about whether to assign the final foul on a player such as LeBron James or Stephen Curry in the late moments of any NBA game.  During the playoffs, the whistles and fouls called against the top stars nearly disappear.

Though it is slightly offensive to the average viewer who wants to see a properly officiated game regardless of the players or teams involved, the referee issue isn’t what today’s story is about.

This is about some shady transactions which have been taking place on and after the NBA’s March 25 trade deadline last week.

As expected, several pro basketball teams made a variety of legitimate trades and moves which may (or may not) help their cause in a push to the playoffs. 

For example, the Dallas Mavericks (on the fringe of the Western division playoffs) cut a deal with New Orleans to add sharpshooting guard J.J. Redick to the Mavs roster in exchange for a few players and a future draft pick.  Whether this propels the Dallas Mavericks into a deep playoff run is debatable. 

The Miami Heat (the defending NBA Eastern Conference champs who are struggling just to get into the playoff picture this season) sent a few lesser known players to the woeful Houston Rockets to acquire former All-Star guard Victor Oladipo.  For Miami, adding a 20 points per game scorer might be the boost they need to get into the playoffs.   For Houston, the Rockets are literally starting over again after trading James Harden to the Brooklyn Nets earlier this year.  They have been waving the white flag for months now. 

Most NBA fans would say that trades like those two teams made last week sound legit and make sense to both teams involved in the deals.  Both teams are willing to give up something in exchange to get something they value more.  That’s called capitalism, and most of us would believe it sounds fair. 

On the other hand, the NBA has seen a few head-scratching transactions in the past week where the motives of league itself should be examined a bit closer.

While a number of NBA teams made those last minute trades (something of value in exchange for something of value) with the hope of making the playoffs soon, other franchises suddenly decided to cut their payroll and dropped some veteran “star” players.  And where do you think those former NBA All-Star players have been landing?

If you guessed the Brooklyn Nets and the Los Angeles Lakers, you are correct!  Ding!

Houston’s professional sports teams are having a rather rough go this past year.  With the NFL Texans and NBA Rockets languishing near the bottom of their league standings and the Major League Baseball Astros still reeling from a baseball scandal, this sports crazy Texas city needed someone to step-up and show the way to help exit a lengthy sports draught.

H-town, you may now thank the Houston Cougars men’s basketball team!

For the first time in 37 years, the University of Houston Cougars will return to the NCAA men’s Final Four this Saturday after taking a tense 67-61 win over stubborn #12-seed Oregon State Monday night in Indianapolis.

It was a tale of two halves for the Houston Cougars.  After breezing to a 34-17 first half advantage, the Oregon State Beavers battled back in the second stanza and slowly chipped into the Houston lead.  The Beavers changed defenses in the second half and confused the Houston offense for the final ten minutes as the team battled back to tie the Coogs at 55 apiece with just over three minutes left in the game. 

Houston-area native Quentin Grimes then canned a long 3-pointer and added a couple of free throws to finally wake up the Cougars offense and seal the victory.   With the win, the Houston Cougars joined the legendary high-flying Phi Slama Jama teams of the early 1980’s as the last U of H basketball team to advance into the Final Four.

Those Houston Cougar teams were loaded with incredible individual talents.  Future NBA Hall-of-Famers Hakeem Olajuwon and Clyde “The Glide” Drexler were exceedingly rare talents.  In 1982, 1983, and 1984, the Houston Cougars reached the NCAA Final Four three straight times.   Unfortunately, that talented group of basketball players lost to North Carolina, then North Carolina State, and finally Georgetown as they left town each year without the championship trophy.

Longtime head basketball coach Guy V. Lewis, who was also known for flinging, wringing, and chewing on his unusual bright red and white polka dot towel while sitting in his courtside chair on the sidelines, had 27 consecutive winning seasons in leading the Cougars for thirty years through1986. 

During the 1960’s, another Houston Cougar basketball legend by the name of Elvin “The Big E” Hayes would carry Coach Lewis’ team into the NCAA Final Four back in 1967 and 1968.   Those two teams lost in the national semifinals to eventual champion UCLA in both of those years.  Elvin Hayes would play pro basketball and became an NBA Hall-of-Famer, too. 

After Lewis retired, the University of Houston basketball program seemed to fade into retirement, too.  The school’s former affiliation with the Southwest Conference ended in 1996.  When that occurred, Houston was not invited to join other SWC teams in the newly-formed Big 12 Conference.  The Cougars joined the fledgling Conference USA in 1997 and remained through 2013.   The basketball program floundered for much of that period.

In 2014, the University of Houston joined the new American Athletics Conference.  By this time, the Cougars basketball program also started to show signs of coming back alive, too.  The school hired Kelvin Sampson to become the new head basketball coach. 

A former Oklahoma and, later, Indiana University head coach, Kelvin Sampson arrived in Houston with a mission to turn around the basketball program.  He had done the same thing at the University of Oklahoma and, later, at Indiana University of the Big Ten.

At IU, Sampson orchestrated a sudden turnaround of the school’s basketball program during his first year as co...

As the number of teams in the NCAA men’s basketball tournament continues to dwindle, a growing number of individual players are now declaring their intention to enter the National Basketball Association draft to be held in late June.

Here’s a sports headline from today (and one of many like it from around the US) – “University of North Carolina freshman big man Day’Ron Sharpe will enter the NBA draft. The 6-foot-11, 265-pound Sharpe announced his decision after averaging 9.5 points and 6.9 rebounds per game – coming off the bench.” 

Sharpe said, “I feel that I’m now ready for the next level. I’ve made it this far and there’s no reason for me to stop now!”

Really?  This young man can’t even earn a starting role on his own college basketball team!  He had four points and three rebounds in UNC’s first round exit against Wisconsin last week. 

Who told this young man that he is ready for the next level? 

Around the country, multitudes of young basketball players are signaling to NBA teams “Hey, look at me!” and inviting scouts to take a closer look and let players know what their chances of being drafted are. 

Last year, 205 college players declared themselves to be “draft eligible” by the NBA prior to the 2020 NBA draft.  Since the NBA has only 30 teams and two rounds in its annual player draft, that meant just 60 happily employed new professional basketball players.  The remaining young athletes found themselves scrambling for a chance to play in the NBA development league (G-League) or, perhaps, overseas wherever they hope to earn a paycheck by playing basketball.

Why do college basketball players have to declare themselves to be eligible for the NBA draft at all? 

This is a very unique and bizarre way of courtship between the NBA and hundreds of basketball players whose dream is to play in the NBA.  With only 400 spots available on the rosters of NBA teams, most college players will never take the floor to play in basketball’s big league.

As the game is configured at the moment, below is a summary of what happens if a college basketball player (who isn’t already a senior without any additional college eligibility remaining) wants to leave school early and have a chance to play in today’s NBA:

* Freshmen, sophomores, and juniors must formerly file paperwork to declare their intent to be evaluated by the NBA’s Undergraduate Advisory Committee.   * The player may then retain an agent at this point.  An agent is allowed to pay for transportation, food, and lodging for the player and his family during the draft evaluation process.   The agent will later grab a percentage of the player’s future contract value.* The NBA’s 30 teams then provide initial feedback to the players as to their most likely draft position (lottery picks, first round, second round – early, second round – late, or not drafted at all). * The NBA teams will develop a consensus top 60 potential candidates.  Those top candidates will be sent an invitation to the NBA’s Draft Combine event in May.* The next 40 potential draft picks on the NBA list will be sent an invitation to the Developmental league (G-League) Combine event in late spring (likely in May).* If a player wasn’t invited to either of these events...

She’s ba-a-a-a-ck!  Yes, the best known college basketball fan in the land is back at the NCAA March Madness men’s tournament cheering her favorite team on to victory once again.

Sister Jean is now a spry 101 years young and arrived in Indianapolis in the nick of time to lift up her favorite team in prayer this past weekend.  The Loyola University – Chicago Ramblers came into this year’s tournament with a #8 seed in the Midwest Region.  And, just like they did three years ago, the Ramblers have beaten some big conference powers already.  They surprised ACC tournament champ Georgia Tech in Round 1 and then knocked off Big Ten bully and the region’s #1 seed, Illinois, Sunday afternoon.

The 71-58 win by Loyola-Chicago over top seeded Illinois wasn’t really that close.  The Ramblers played with far more poise than their in-state rivals.  For a team which had been ranked #1 in the nation for several weeks this season, the Fighting Illini are heading home after being ambushed at the pass by Sister Jean’s inspired team.

Three years ago, the Loyola-Chicago Ramblers burst onto the national stage being led by then-98 year old Sister Jean.  The men’s basketball team from Chicago’s Catholic university is once again being spiritually led by Sister Jean from the Sisters of Charity of the Blessed Virgin Mary. 

With Sister Jean’s prayers and fervent support, even non-basketball fans from around the heard about Loyola-Chicago and their forever-young long-time fan.  Three years ago, Loyola-Chicago advanced into the 2018 Final Four for the first time since 1963 only to lose to Michigan in the semifinals.   By the Final Four three seasons ago, Sister Jean bobblehead dolls were sold for as much as $300 on EBay!

Now, just three years later, the now 101-year old Sister Jean (who has received her COVID vaccines) was escorted into an Indianapolis gymnasium over the weekend to help support her favorite team again.   In Sunday’s second round game against the much-overhyped Illinois Fighting Illini, Sister Jean (who is also the team’s chaplain) led the pregame prayer.

She confidently offered a bit of pre-game coaching advice to the team as well!  She prayed, “As we play the Fighting Illini, we ask for special help to overcome this team and get a great win. We hope to score early and make our opponents nervous.  We have a great opportunity to convert rebounds as this team makes about 50% of layups and 30% of its 3 points. Our defense can take care of that.”

She is right about the Loyola-Chicago defense!  The Ramblers are ranked #1 in the country by holding their opponents to a paltry 55.8 points per game.   More importantly, the Ramblers average margin of victory has been 15.7 points per game – which is good for #5 nationally.  

Translated – Loyola-Chicago is no fluke.  This team is a defensive monster and has no trouble scoring points at the other end of the court. 

Meanwhile, in Tulsa, Oklahoma, the local media usually gives most of its coverage to Oklahoma State (now gone from March Madness); Oklahoma (they’re outta here) and the University of Tulsa (which didn’t make this year’s tournament).  Even in Tulsa, Oral Roberts University of the Summit League usually gets short-changed in media coverage.

The school located in south Tulsa was founded in 1963 by evangelical leader Oral Roberts.   Roberts was

If you are over the age of 40, you may have heard the phrase called “The 5 P’s” at some point of your life.  You may have heard this phrase on the job, in the military, in school, or, perhaps, from a coach.  These five words are used to motive people to focus intently on the task at hand.

Prior preparation prevents poor performance!

In my case, I first heard this unique reminder at age 20 from one of the best radio broadcasters I have ever worked with.  It was a reminder to me and the other staff announcers that you should really think about what you wanted to say in advance of opening the microphone.  Make your words brief but worthwhile to the listeners.  It was terrific advice!

This week, the expected retirement announcement from the New Orleans Saints legendary and Super Bowl winning quarterback, Drew Brees, finally arrived.  The 42-year old Brees had baffled some media types by not hanging up his cleats a few weeks earlier. 

Brees acknowledged that some recent football injuries (a severely injured thumb two years ago and then broken ribs this past season) and a desire to spend quality time with his young family were the primary factors in leaving pro football after twenty seasons. 

Drew Brees will be joining the NBC Sports broadcast team this fall to become an analyst during Notre Dame college football games and on the network’s Sunday Night NFL pre-game show.  He plans to prepare for his new job the same way as he played football.

“I still get to eat, breathe and sleep football — just in a different way,” he said.

After 20 years on the field, Drew Brees has earned the right to retire while he is relatively healthy and will now wait for his phone to ring from the Hall-of-Fame in five years.  He’s earned that honor, too!

To me, a more interesting part of this week’s Drew Brees retirement announcement was his admission to the press about his high level of preparation for each season and, more specifically, in each game he played. 

The 42-year old Brees was a throwback quarterback who looked more like a quarterback from decades earlier.  He is of average height (6’) and always looked lighter than his listed playing weight of 209 pounds.   Though he was fairly quick afoot, Brees was able to survive for twenty years in the NFL by not trying to run for first downs unless it was the last available option. 

So, how was Drew Brees able to survive and thrive in the NFL for the past two decades as one of the smallest quarterbacks in the NFL? 

He simply worked and prepared harder than most other players at his position.  Drew Brees’ determination, focus, and work habits helped him to become “Mr. Consistency” as a standout NFL quarterback and team leader. 

Drew Brees wasn’t just the first guy to practice and the last one to leave.  He would spend endless hours with his coaches during film sessions evaluating his in-game mistakes while looking for any weakness in the defense of the upcoming week’s opponent.  As a quarterback with limited physical size, Brees worked hard to become the most accurate passer in the NFL.

Mission accomplished! 

Drew Brees is ranked #1, #2, and #3 in the NFL record books for the best completion percentage by a quarterback during a regular season.  His 74.

It’s nearly springtime in the Houston area.   That means it’s time to start cleaning-out your garage and clear-out anything you won’t need for the upcoming summer.

For the Houston Rockets, this year’s garage sale has started early and will continue in the weeks ahead.  By March 25 (the NBA’s trade deadline), it’s possible that most people will not recognize the Houston Rockets basketball team roster from just one year ago. 

With the team mired in a 16-game losing streak (and counting), this season’s Houston Rockets are perfecting the art of “tanking” to improve the team’s draft position once this season mercifully ends.   Houston hasn’t won an NBA game since February 4! 

As of the writing of this article, the Rockets have only 11 wins this season (11-25) and have dropped into the #3 draft selection spot.  Only Minnesota (8 wins) and Detroit (10 wins) are ahead of Houston as the competition heats up for the worst record in the NBA (and the statistically-likely #1 pick in the next player draft). 

For a city whose basketball team has not endured a losing season since 2005, this woeful 2021 version of the Houston Rockets has been surprising to fans accustomed to winning.   Rockets fans have been famous in preserving the team’s “Clutch City” mantra after winning back-to-back NBA championships in the mid-1990’s.

How did the Rockets go from a perennial playoff contender (44-26 last year) to a bottom dweller in one year? 

* James Harden demanded out.  The Rockets acquired the high-scoring Harden (aka “The Beard”) from Oklahoma City in 2012.  The management of the team built a squad around Harden’s fast-break mentality.  The Rockets became the first prolific 3-point shooting team in the league.  If the team’s shooting percentage hovered around 40%, it made sense to take that many long-distance shots.  However, in the playoffs, the other teams had time to adjust their defenses to make it harder for the Rockets’ best scorer (Harden) to get as many points.  The Rockets made the playoffs every year while Harden was in Houston, but only advanced to the Western Division finals twice during the James Harden years.  After last season, James Harden demanded to be traded.  A few weeks into the 2021 season, his request for a trade came through as Harden was shipped to the Brooklyn Nets.

* The long-time coach was released.  Though many of us observers would say that former Rockets coach Mike D’Antoni was more of a professional babysitter/cheerleader than a true “X’s and O’s” teacher, the Rockets’ coach and his star player (James Harden) got along swimmingly.  The coach rarely tried to discipline either Harden or other Rockets players – both on the court or off.  At the end of last season, the Rockets cut him (and his $5 million annual salary) loose, and D’Antoni resurfaced as an assistant coach with the Brooklyn Nets (sound familiar?). 

* Houston Rockets General Manager Daryl Morey resigned.  The general manager is in charge of draft picks, free agent signings, and payroll for the team.  Though Morey was quite good at some tasks, he was (my opinion) a “deal junkie” who often made roster changes during the season just for the sake of tinkering with the line-up.  His draft picks are now either out of the league or had been traded (by Morey, of course) to other teams (where some have flourished).  Daryl Morey was hired to a similar position in Philadelphia and is off to a great start.  His 76ers are currently atop the NBA Eastern Conference.