This post is sponsored by EA Sports NCAA Football 2011

When you go to a particular school or grow up around college football, you are more than just a fan. It's who you are. We thought we could leverage this pride in your roots and show that "where you come from" is more than just a statement about geography. By positioning NCAA Football 11 as a game that understands this pride and is authentic to these traditions, the takeaway should be that anything that is in college football is in NCAA Football 11.

And this doesn't just include game play (though that's a huge part of it). It's rivals and mascots; it's legends and stories. It's those things that are at the very fabric of the game itself. Of course the game is great this year as well. With authentic entrances, mascots and specific offenses for each team, the term "where I come from" takes on a much larger meaning. While playing NCAA Football 11 is ultimately a great sports sim, it should also give you a sense of the pride and emotion one has for being a fan of a team they will never not be a part of.

This post is sponsored by EA Sports NCAA Football 2011.

As you may have seen around the (SB) Nation, EA Sports has asked a series of college bloggers (yes, basketball can participate as well) to take part in a series of posts sponsored by the upcoming release of: EA Sports NCAA Football 2011. The game will be released tomorrow and is always a must pick-up for the sports obsessed gamer.

Since we're still about 3.5 months away from the Pirate's first exhibition game, tonight we're going to look at the Top 10 ways to pass the offseason until tip-off.  Let's get to it. 

10.  Watch MLB's All Star-Weekend. 

Home-Run Derby and the All Star Game.  Tonight's Home-Run Derby was more painful than usual to watch and pay attention to.  I think the first two entrants had a combined 2 home runs in the first round.  Why the best power hitters in the game don't enter the competition is anyone's guess.  Kind of like how Lebron, Kobe and DWade refuse to enter the dunk contest.  These events are for the fans, why the elite players in their respective sports are seemingly unaware to this, I can't answer.  

Furthermore, it's time for an All Star Game/skills competition at the collegiate level.  I'm not talking about the junk they hold at the end of the year with countless reserves and non-impact players.  I guess there is no common grace period where every D1 school is off at the same time, but that is no excuse.  Take 3 days off and let the nation's elite meet and be recognized together on a national stage.  

9.  Watch Reality Television. 

The Bachelorette, Chad Johnson's Ultimate Catch and Lebronathon with Jim Grey.  I don't know anything about The Bachelorette, but I was flipping channels last night and caught Chad Johnson doing his best Flava Flav dating show impersonation.  After hearing him talk about a needing a classy woman to take to McDonalds, I decided my life would be more productive if I went to sleep.  Wait, when did he change his name back to Chad Johnson? So he's Ocho Cinco on the football field, but uses his birth name for reality television? Seems reversed.  

The Lebronathon was the lamest reality television show I ever watched.  Yet, I watched it.  As did you.  We all did.  We were taken.  So much for announcing in the first ten minutes.  We had to watch Michael Wilbon and his croanies debate... well, what everyone has been debating for the last three years.  And then Jim Grey transformed into Larry King sans the suspenders and began asking this idiot completely irrelevant questions.  "How many people know about your decision? Can you count them on one hand?" Really Jim? It would have been better if Lebron walked into the room and ripped off his t-shirt while unveiling a Heat jersey to the tune of, "Real American" blaring over the speakers.  Kanye West was in the house, he could have taken the mic from Jim Grey's hand during the interview and said, "Jim, I'm a let you finish, but let me say, Kobe Bryant just had the best season."  Instead, Lebron uttered, "I'm taking my talents to South Beach."  How Anti-Climatic, it couldn't have been more painful.  If I knew it was going to be that bad, I would have watched, "Kourtney and Khloe Take Miami."  A repeat, that I have recorded on my DVR.  

8.  Change Your Blog's Name.  

Due to the events that transpired last season, GonzoBall.com will be changing it's name to SouthOrangeJuice.com. Yep, it's time for a more secure blog name.  You know, a name that doesn't reference a former head coach in the domain.  Win.  

7.  Read Books. 

There's little time during the season, so catch up on reading your romantic novels basketball books in the offseason. Recently, I've read: Coaching Basketball Successfully by Morgan Wooten, Basketball: Multiple Offense and Defense by Dean Smith and Waiter Rant by Steven Dublanica.  Highly recommend all three, although the third has nothing to do with basketball. 

6.  Watch the World Cup. 

I had no idea American's were so crazy about soccer.  I admit, I watched the USA games, and watched a few games on and off when nothing else was on, but soccer was actually somewhat popular for a month.  I mean the final game was absolutely horrendous to watch, but that's beside the point.  Back to Americans watching soccer.  I was surprised to learn that so many Americans were cheering for other countries. Seriously.  Cheering for another country.  Not countries they've come over here from, but cheering for countries for seemingly no reason. Countries they know nothing about, maybe they vacationed for a week there and had a good time. Maybe their ancestors came to AMERICA from said country years ago? It's no excuse, we're Americans, act like it.  

Follow the jump for my Top 5 ways to pass the offseason. 

Continue reading this post »

This post is sponsored by EA Sports NCAA Football 2011.

As you may have seen around the (SB) Nation, EA Sports has asked a series of college bloggers (yes, basketball can participate as well) to take part in a series of posts sponsored by the upcoming release of: EA Sports NCAA Football 2011. The game will be released next week on 7/13 and is always a must pick-up for the sports obsessed gamer.

After the drama that ensued during the 2009-2010 season, I felt it was time that we looked back at a season that actually did present a couple favorable moments.  Below are my 10 favorite memories of last season.  And no, a former Seton Hall coach accused of stealing a man-purse isn't included in the list.  Enjoy!

10. Jeff Robinson shines during Senior Day at the Rock.

Eugene Harvey, playing in his final regular season home game, forced OT against the Golden Eagles by hitting two clutch FT attempts, but despite the loss, Jeff Robinson stole the show, erupting with 25PTS on 11-of-15 shooting.  

Post-Game Thoughts:

Jeff Robinson, continues to dominate. Finishing the afternoon on 11-of-15 shooting, JRob led Seton Hall with 25PTS/4REB/AST/BLK. His play today was extremely dominant in the low post, receiving entry pass after entry pass, continuously finishing strong around the rim. His mid-range jumper has been on target all season, however, today he scored the majority of his points from around immediate vicinity of the rim. He's been extremely consistent down low and it remains a mystery why he's taken so many 3PT attempts throughout the season.  

9.  Seton Hall stops Cornell's home 22 game winning streak with a big road victory, led by Jordan Theodore. 

Post-Game Thoughts: 

The Pirates snapped the nation's 5th longest home-winning streak, spoiling the home-opener on a night that saw the Red raise another Ivy-Leauge Championship banner. 

On offense, Theodore was routinely blowing by his defender, Louis Dale, who couldn't match his speed. The sophomore point-guard finished with 20PTS on 6-of-10 shooting, adding 4REB and 4AST. The stat line doesn't quite do justice to the game that Theodore displayed, as he provided the offensive spark early that prevented the Pirates from playing catch-up for the remainder of the game. Defensively, Jordan was everywhere, most importantly, he limited Dale to 4PTS on 2-of-6 shooting.

8.  Keon Lawrence nearly losses a game against Louisville twice, but his monster block from behind saves the Pirates a victory.  

Post-Game Thoughts: 

However, 20 seconds into the possession, Keon Lawrence made a crucial turnover. Samuels came up with the steal and found Sosa streaking to the basket and as the Cardinals were about to cut the lead to one point, Keon Lawrence made what may have been a game-saving block. The Cardinals were able to chase down the loose ball, but Keon's refusal to give up on the play after just making a terrible turnover saved an easy 2 points for the Cardinals. Despite Knowles chasing down the loose ball, JT was able to force a turnover and found Hazell on the opposite end of the floor to send home a thunderous dunk, giving the Pirates a 5 point cushion with 36 ticks on the timex.

And also: 

Keon Lawrence picked up the basketball from the made 3PT shot and while standing on the baseline, he took one step forward over the baseline. I can't explain what he was doing or what he was thinking, but he clearly stepped over the line. Realizing he made a violation, Keon stopped dead in his tracks, paused and then continued to inbound the basketball while already standing inbounds. The referee on the baseline signaled the violation with his hand, yet almost instantaneously called for the basketball. Keon threw it to the ref, who caught it and passed it back, Keon then successfully inbounded the ball to Hazell, who was fouled with .2 seconds on the clock.

7.  JRob and Pope dominate Rutgers Senior Day. 

Post-Game Thoughts: 

Pope, was clearly motivated on the road, in a must-win game against Hamady Ndiaye on senior night at the RAC, finishing his night with 22PTS/18REB/3BLK/2AST/STL. Who said he had tired legs? He shattered his two month double-double drought tonight and his biggest performance as a Pirate couldn't have come at a better time.

And Also: 

Jeff Robinson stepped up tremendously over the last month with Pope slumping and despite Herb's monster game, JRob found no reason to slow down tonight. Robinson also contributed a double-double, good for 16PTS/14REB/2AST/STL on only 7-of-14 shooting. Of course, 50% is nothing to complain about, however with the way JRob has been shooting over the last month, we've become accustomed to 70% nights from the junior. Tremendous job again by Jeff. Tonight was the first time all season we've seen what this team is capable of when Herb and Jeff both take over and it's a dangerous thing for any team in the BIG EAST to defend.

6.  Jordan Theodore steps up in the must-win season finale at Providence with 19PTS/8AST. 

Post-Game Thoughts: 

-Gonzo Ball to Jordan Theodore, who continues to break out and has really stepped up his play as of late. JT finished with 21PTS on 6-of-9 shooting, he set a career high with 8AST, shot 8-of-8 from the stripe while adding 2REB/2STL and only committed one turnover. Very impressive play from the sophomore as he even outscored the Pirates leading scorer Jeremy Hazell, by one point.

Follow the jump for my top 5 favorite moments of 09-10.

Continue reading this post »

This post is sponsored by EA Sports NCAA Football 2011.

As you may have seen around the (SB) Nation, EA Sports has asked a series of college bloggers (yes, basketball can participate as well) to take part in a series of posts sponsored by the upcoming release of: EA Sports NCAA Football 2011. The game will be released next week on 7/13 and is always a must pick-up for the sports obsessed gamer.  

In today's post, I wanted to discuss when I became a Seton Hall Pirates fan.  Unlike, many readers of this site, I've actually only been a Pirates fan since 2002-2003, the year I was accepted to attend SHU.  Growing up in Connecticut, I decided at a very young age that I would deviate from the norm and refused to accept fandom into UConn Huskies nation.  Instead, as a fan of the game, I was intrigued by Rick Pitino's match-up press defense, so much so, that I handed my allegiance over to Kentucky.  Watching Pitino's defense, I thought it was remarkable that his men always found a way to put pressure on the ball handler, regardless of the opposition's offensive, "press-breaking" game plan. I had never witnessed anything like it in my early years of watching basketball and I was hooked.  Of course, the Wildcats winning the National Championship in 95-96 didn't hurt my recent affiliation and "fandom." 

As a resident of Connecticut, I watched the majority of Huskies games with the family, until they banished me from the room for cheering against, the "good-guys."  I was familiar with the BIG EAST conference and paid attention to most teams, including Seton Hall despite the Pirates failing to ever stand out in my eyes.  And then there was March Madness of the 1999-2000 season.  Madness it was.  It only took two plays, two plays (both in overtime) which were two days apart and it was official: I respected Seton Hall as a legitimate basketball team.  

First, Shaheen Holloway single handedly dicing the Oregon defense with 8.7 seconds remaining to clinch a first round victory was a thing of beauty.  NCAA coverage must have replayed the clip 30 times throughout the night and each time, I was glued.  Did he really just blow through double coverage? Did he even glance at any of his teammates? I knew the moment was special when I didn't even stop to think, "Nice! I hit my 10-7 upset!" until about 3 minutes (ok, maybe 90 seconds) after seeing the clip.  

Two nights later, Holloway injured his ankle in the first half and left the second round matchup against Temple as his teammates carried him off of the floor.  Backup PG Ty Shine, who hadn't started a game all season suddenly had the weight of his team and his university on his shoulders.  Would he be able to distribute the ball efficiently and facilitate a victory for Shaheen? It'd be a big task, for sure.  Shine didn't just play the role of an efficient facilitator, he simply took over the game.  A reserve who never scored more than 16 points all season, Shine erupted for 26PTS/3REB/5AST with a lights out performance, which saw the sophomore shoot 7-of-11 from 3PT range, including a huge trey with 18.9 seconds remaining in OT to give the Pirates the lead for good.  Of course, the memorable play I referenced above was Shine's clutch 3PT, but a moment just as memorable? Shaheen rising out of his wheelchair, leg wrapped in ice, standing on one good leg, exuberant in the play of his teammate.  

Sure, I wasn't a fan until 2002-03, but those two plays, those two memories, in a 48 hour span made me respect the Seton Hall Pirates from that March on.